China interested in delivery of 15-20 mln t of coal from RF

BEIJING, February 3 (Itar-Tass) - China is interested in guaranteed
deliveries of 15 to 20 million tonnes of coal from Russia every year,
Alexander Chernousov, Counselor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation
to the People's Republic of China, told Russian journalists here on
Thursday.
Chernousov said, "China is interested in a wider scope of long-term
deliveries of coal from Russia and in ensurance of a guaranteed amount of
import from Russia from 15 to 20 million tonnes annually".
The diplomat said there had been important headway in the two
countries' cooperation in the area of coal in recent years. In 2010, coal
deliveries from Russia to China, according to preliminary data, are
estimated to amount to 11-12 million tonnes.
Chernousov said the sides had already worked out a roadmap for the
development of cooperation in this respect. The Chinese side suggests a
comprehensive solution to the question of coal deliveries. Under
consideration, in particular, are various options for a joint refinement
of the coal transportation pattern, in which the seaports of the Far East
can be used. Participation of the Chinese side in establishing an
appropriate additional infrastructure there is not ruled out either.
The diplomat said the sides consider the possibility of building
infrastructure in China's territory in order to ensure an increase in the
delivery of coal by rail. The bulk of coal is currently delivered from
Russia to the PRC by sea.