Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to China apparently failed last week to secure a project key to the hopes of Moscow's struggling energy sector.Putin's state visit produced a joint statement heralding a 'new era' for Beijing and Moscow's 'no limits partnership,' while the hug shared with Chinese counterpart Xi made headlines. But the long-ruling Russian leader walked away without a contract for a pipeline between his country and its largest export market.
Putin and Xi's joint statement released after their most recent talks mentioned only a vaguely worded commitment to deepen 'cooperation in the field of oil, natural gas, liquefied petroleum natural gas, coal and electricity;' facilitate 'unimpeded transportation of energy resources;' and promote 'major joint energy projects.