China is intensifying its energy security strategy in Central Asia, dispatching a high-level envoy to Turkmenistan to expand natural gas imports and strengthen strategic ties.
Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Deputy Premier of the State Council, arrived in Ashgabat on April 15, 2026. Visiting as a special representative of President Xi Jinping, Ding’s mission focuses on the critical expansion of land-based energy corridors to stabilize China’s energy market.
A primary objective of the visit, which spans from April 15 to April 17, is to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the Galkan (Revival) gas field. As the world’s second-largest single gas field, the project is central to increasing Turkmenistan’s gas supply capacity to China. This move underscores the strategic importance of land-based energy routes, particularly as maritime shipping lanes face increasing risks.
During his visit on April 15, Ding met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader and Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, Ding conveyed greetings from President Xi and noted that bilateral relations have evolved from friendly partners to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ding emphasized that natural gas cooperation serves as a prime example of mutual benefit between the two nations. He urged both sides to view energy cooperation through a strategic lens and a long-term perspective, calling for the acceleration of major projects and the expansion of gas cooperation scales.
Beyond energy, the two leaders discussed diversifying their partnership. Ding proposed expanding cooperation into non-resource sectors, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- New energy vehicles
- Solar and wind power
- Trade and investment connectivity
The visit also includes a diplomatic component, with Ding serving as the Chinese chairman for the seventh meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee. China has expressed continued support for Turkmenistan’s role as a permanently neutral state within the United Nations and other multilateral forums, as well as coordination within the China-Central Asia mechanism.
Berdimuhamedov relayed his own greetings to President Xi, referencing the pragmatic results and “warm memories” from his own visit to China last month, where both nations agreed to scale up their cooperation in the natural gas sector.
