Foreign energy companies are expressing a strong commitment to deepen their collaboration within China's upstream and downstream industries while enhancing connections with the Chinese market. This strategic move signals an intention to tap into one of the fastest-growing energy markets globally.

Wang Hongzhi, the head of China's National Energy Administration (NEA), held discussions with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar's minister of state for energy affairs, during a meeting in Beijing. Wang indicated China's readiness to collaborate with Qatar, aiming to improve communication and elevate the level of energy cooperation between the two nations.

Al-Kaabi emphasized the significance of China as one of the largest and rapidly growing natural gas consumption markets in the world. He expressed Qatar's eagerness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation specifically in natural gas and renewable energy sectors, aiming to enhance the quality of their energy partnership.

These dialogues took place amid the backdrop of the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) hosted in Beijing, a notable event recognized as the 'Olympics' of the global gas industry. This year marks a historic occasion as the conference is held in China for the first time in nearly a century.

In an exclusive interview during the conference, Li Yalan, president of the International Gas Union (IGU), portrayed the gathering as an opportunity for Chinese gas companies to showcase their advancements while fostering relationships with global energy players.

Petronas LNG's CEO Ezran Mahadzir remarked on the pivotal role China plays as a strategic market for Petronas. With China's LNG demand projected to soar from 77 million tons in 2024 to over 100 million tons by 2030, the emphasis on strengthening ties and expanding market share becomes clear.

As China embarks on a new energy and clean energy transformation policy, a surge in new participants and demands is becoming evident in the marketplace. Urban gas projects and industrial energy initiatives are witnessing rapid growth, showcasing significant potential for development.

With over two decades of presence in China, Mahadzir expressed anticipation for opportunities to fortify ties and expand cooperation in this vital market. His remarks underscore the significant investments foreign companies are prepared to make to integrate further into China's energy landscape.

Al-Kaabi, during his address, acknowledged China's key position in global energy transformation. He articulated Qatar's ambition to deepen cooperative efforts in various sectors, including natural gas production and downstream processes, when discussing the ongoing expansions of their industrial chain.

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a principal driver of global natural gas demand growth, with China poised for substantial increases in consumption. With natural gas consumption projected to peak around 2035, the evolving landscape hints at a significant shift in energy economics.

As the world's largest natural gas importer, China’s demand for international energy resources shows no signs of abating. Over the last decade, China's natural gas consumption surged dramatically from under 200 billion cubic meters to over 426 billion cubic meters, securing its position as the fourth largest producer and the leading LNG importer globally.