TIMELINE

China-Russia natural gas deal

1994

China and Russia sign a memorandum to build a natural gas pipeline.

1999

Gazprom reaches a natural gas export agreement of intent with China National Petroleum Corp.

2006

China and Russia sign a natural gas supply MOU.

2008

China and Russia establish a regular natural gas contract negotiation system at the deputy prime minister level.

2009

China and Russia sign a natural gas cooperation MOU.

2011

Negotiations between the two countries are deadlocked.

June 2012

Russian president Vladimir Putin visits China, and negotiations resume.

December 2012

The two sides open a dialogue on a western natural gas pipeline project.

March 2013

President Xi Jinping visits Russia. CNPC signs an initial agreement with Gazprom.

May 2014

Putin comes to China. The agreement is signed.