On April 16, 2026, Maksat Babayev, Chairman of Turkmenistan, pointed out at the International Scientific Practice Conference that the natural gas cooperation between Turkmenistan and China has entered a new stage, and the two countries have achieved fruitful results in their 20-year strategic cooperation. Relying on the landing of major energy projects and the linkage of funds and technology, it has not only stabilized Turkmenistan's energy export foundation, but also ensured China's energy supply security, further promoting the interconnection of energy networks in Central and Western Asia.

Maksat Babayev introduced in his speech titled "Turkmenistan People's Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Cooperation in the Natural Gas Field" that the two countries have jointly created a highly iconic large-scale energy cooperation project in Central Asia.

Key projects are steadily advancing

At present, the construction of three gas processing plants in the Galjinish gas field is progressing in an orderly manner. After the completion of the first phase of the project, the annual production capacity of commercial natural gas can reach 30 billion cubic meters. The related facilities are operating smoothly, which can fully guarantee the domestic gas consumption and export demand of Turkmenistan. Looking back at 2007, the two sides signed a product sharing agreement for the Bagtiarlik project on the right bank of the Amu Darya River, with a cumulative investment of 10.7 billion US dollars to build supporting infrastructure. All costs have now been fully recovered, realizing the industrial development of natural gas, condensate oil, and sulfur resources. The project currently has 8700 employees, with local employees accounting for over 90%. It also collaborates with Chinese universities on talent development.

In addition, China has signed a contract with CNPC Amu Darya Gas Company to launch the fourth phase development of the Galjinish gas field, with an expected annual increase of 10 billion cubic meters of production capacity. The project is independently funded by Turkmenistan and included in the overall seventh phase development plan of the gas field. In terms of financing cooperation, China Development Bank provided a loan of 8.1 billion US dollars to help Turkmenistan enhance its natural gas export capacity. The relevant loans were fully repaid in June 2021.

Significant advantages in complementary resources

Turkmenistan has abundant natural gas reserves, with proven reserves of 19.5 trillion cubic meters and prospective reserves exceeding 50 trillion cubic meters, accounting for 10.1% of the world's total reserves. Among them, the Galjinish gas field has reserves of 27.4 trillion cubic meters, ranking second in the world's onshore gas fields, but its energy development urgently needs funding and technical support.

As a major global consumer of natural gas, China's demand for clean energy continues to rise. The Central Asian natural gas pipeline has transported over 500 billion cubic meters of gas to China, effectively ensuring domestic energy supply. At present, Turkmenistan is accelerating the upgrading of its energy industry, and the advantages of Chinese enterprises in technology, funding, and management are highly compatible with the natural resources of Turkmenistan. Twenty years of cooperation has become an important guarantee for regional energy security.

Mutual benefit and win-win situation continue to deepen

CNPC and its subsidiaries are deeply involved in the cooperation between China and Turkey in natural gas. CNPC Amu Darya Gas Company leads the fourth phase development of the Galjinish gas field, while enterprises such as PetroChina Engineering participate in project construction, equipment supply, and operation and maintenance. With their technical strength, they assist in the efficient development of energy resources in Turkey. Keywords: China Turkey cooperation, natural gas, interconnectivity

Tukumangas has improved its natural gas extraction, processing, and export system through cooperation with China, enhanced its industrial modernization level, and increased its energy export revenue. Both sides are focusing on key tasks such as the development of the Galjinish gas field and the improvement of the Bagtiarlik project, in order to upgrade and enhance energy cooperation. This will not only help Turkmenistan release its resource value, but also provide opportunities for Chinese enterprises to explore overseas energy markets, and consolidate the economic foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Turkmenistan.Editor/Gong Ziwei