Since the launch of the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline in 2009, the volume of Turkmen gas transported to China has reached 460 billion cubic meters as of March 1, 2026, Ji Shumin said at a press briefing in Ashgabat on Friday.
Energy cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations. China has for years maintained its status as the largest importer of Turkmen natural gas and one of the country’s leading trading partners.
This year marks 20 years of large-scale cooperation in the gas sector, the diplomat said. Among the priority areas is the further development of the Galkynysh Gas Field, where China National Petroleum Corporation has been named the winner of a tender for a new phase of development.
During the briefing, Ji Shumin added that the recent visit of Turkmenistan’s National Leader to China gave new momentum to cooperation. High-level talks resulted in agreements to further deepen the strategic partnership and expand practical engagement.
China–Turkmenistan relations continue to show steady positive dynamics, with the sides strengthening political trust and expanding cooperation not only in energy but also in trade, transport, agriculture, industry, as well as innovation and green energy.
Currently, Turkmen gas is supplied to China via three lines — A, B and C — of the Turkmenistan–China pipeline system, with annual exports totaling about 40 billion cubic meters. After the launch of the fourth Line D, volumes are expected to increase to 65 billion cubic meters, strengthening supply stability.
Earlier this month, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree at a Cabinet meeting authorizing the state concern Turkmengaz to conclude a contract with CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd. for the construction of a gas processing facility with an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic meters as part of the fourth phase of development of the Galkynysh field.
