Overview
- China stopped buying power from Russia on January 1, 2026 after export prices rose above Chinese domestic electricity rates, according to Kommersant.
- Russia’s Energy Ministry told Reuters supplies could resume if Beijing requests them and mutually beneficial terms are agreed, noting Far East demand is a priority.
- InterRAO says the long-term contracts remain valid through 2037 and that both sides are exploring options to sustain cross-border power trade.
- Deliveries have slid sharply from about 4.6 billion kWh in 2022 to roughly 0.3 billion kWh in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting tightening supply conditions.
- It is not clear from current reporting whether China or Russia initiated the suspension of electricity flows.