THE LONDON TIMES: “The long-frosty relationship between China and Russia is warming as the pair demonstrate that they are not in thrall to the United States.”: “Perhaps they might one day turn their attentions to buying a British oil business. A London-listed Shell might appeal.” (ShellNews.net) 2 Feb 05

Business Editor's Commentary

By Patience Wheatcroft

February 02, 2005

EXTRACT FROM ARTICLE

INVESTORS in Yukos have learnt to their cost that oil and politics are rarely far apart. That it is the China National Petroleum Corporation agreeing a deal with the Russians over Yukos is fuelled by an inextricable mix of the two. The long-frosty relationship between China and Russia is warming as the pair demonstrate that they are not in thrall to the United States. Both have been carefully plotting their energy and power alliances around the world. Perhaps they might one day turn their attentions to buying a British oil business. A London-listed Shell might appeal.