Russia did not export electricity to China in 2026, but both sides consider the power supply contract still valid.
According to Tass news agency on June 9.
To date, Russia has not exported electricity to China in 2026. Although there is currently no power supply, both parties still regard the contract valid until 2036 as effective.
In 2025, Russia exported 300 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to China.
China has completely ceased purchasing electricity from Russia since January 1.
It is reported that the halt in procurement was due to excessively high prices—Russia’s export price for 2026 first exceeded China’s domestic electricity price, making continued purchases economically unviable.
According to Tass citing Russia's Ministry of Energy, if China submits a relevant request and mutually beneficial cooperation conditions are reached, Russia may resume power exports to China.
In fact, the decline in power trade had been foreseeable: since August 2023, cross-border electricity trade between China and Russia has been continuously declining, and the complete suspension in early 2026 represents a phased outcome rather than an abrupt diplomatic policy shift.
The long-term power supply contracts signed years ago remain formally intact and have not been officially terminated or invalidated; they are simply in a state of practical stagnation.
This is a common market-driven adjustment in energy trade: the core consideration in cross-border electricity procurement is economic viability. When imported electricity prices exceed domestic prices, it is logical for buyers to reduce or suspend procurement—it does not indicate any fundamental shift in Sino-Russian energy cooperation.
China and Russia continue to maintain broad cooperation in areas such as oil and gas, Far East energy development, and power grid infrastructure. This is merely a temporary adjustment in a single category, which will not undermine the foundation of overall energy collaboration.
The Russian side has also taken targeted measures, increasing budget allocations for power grid construction in the Far East and Siberia regions, optimizing domestic power production and export pricing systems, thereby creating favorable conditions for future re-engagement.
Many foreign media outlets have exaggerated claims such as “complete termination of cooperation” or “long-term agreements invalidated,” which is inaccurate.
The contractual legal validity remains intact; only execution has been paused. As long as commercial conditions are met in the future, resumption is possible. A temporary pause should not be equated with permanent termination of cooperation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867559074971658/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.