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China, Russia sign natural gas deal at Beijing summit

The deal was announced in Beijing, where the leaders are attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that opens Monday.

By UPI Staff
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Beijing Nov. 9, 2014. Leaders of more than half the world's economy are gathering in China's capital for the annual APEC forum. UPI/Ma Zhancheng/Pool
1 of 4 | Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Beijing Nov. 9, 2014. Leaders of more than half the world's economy are gathering in China's capital for the annual APEC forum. UPI/Ma Zhancheng/Pool | License Photo

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an agreement Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin that will open a second route for supplying Russian natural gas to China.

The deal was announced in Beijing, where the leaders are attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that opens Monday. The countries had signed a $400 billion deal for an eastern supply route in May. The new deal opens a western route, Voice of America reported.

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Moscow has been working toward a closer relationship with China to compensate for the damage done by American and European Union trade sanctions imposed after its actions in Ukraine.

At the summit's opening ceremony, Xi told the gathering of business leaders from around the world that China is committed to letting the market have more influence on its economy, which has fallen to its lowest point since 2008.

Xi also met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday, calling for his country's participation in economic initiatives.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama was headed to the Beijing conference before traveling to Myanmar for the East Asia Summit. He will then go on to Australia to attend a G20 summit. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is also in Beijing for the APEC meetings.

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