Russia eyes for more extensive energy cooperation with China to promote 'energy justice': minister

Russia expects to conduct more extensive cooperation with China in the sector of energy to promote "energy justice" and shape a more multipolar energy future, said Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev.

Russia has put forward the concept of what it calls "energy justice" at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which was held in the second largest city of Russia under the theme of "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World."

The China Global Television Network on Thursday had an exclusive interview with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev on the sidelines of the event, in which he shared his insights about what the term means, why it is important now, and how to deepen cooperation between China and Russia to help shaping a more multipolar energy future.

Tsivilev said that Russia put forward the term "energy justice" for building a multipolar energy structure that takes into account specific situations of different countries.

"We are now building a new world, a multipolar world, and all the countries participating in BRICS are precisely the group that is forming the new world order. Of course, this new world order must also be formed on new principles. One of the most important principles is energy justice. Energy justice, which means that the energy mix of each country is developed taking into account the factors that are defined as energy security and energy accessibility. This is not only technical accessibility, but also financial accessibility. Of course, ecology, reliability. A combination of these factors -- taking into account the circumstances of each country, and this is our most important approach to energy justice," he said.

With the BRICS platform gaining momentum in global energy discussions, Russia is engaging in closer cooperation with China to lead progress in this regard, he said.

"We will actively cooperate with China on all platforms that exist. We are constantly in cooperation. Most recently, I visited the People's Republic of China, where we also discussed energy justice issues in China. We are working very closely together with the state energy administration and forming common approaches. Today, at the international economic forums, we continue this joint work. And I have just come from our big meeting, where we discussed energy justice issues. We have agreed with our Chinese colleagues that we will jointly participate in all forums," said Tsivilev.

China and Russia have already maintained broad energy cooperation from oil and natural gas to coal and nuclear power. To further deepen this partnership, the minister eyes for more collaborations with China in developing truly efficient and sustainable electric power industry.

"Now there is a very high demand for electricity production in the world. This is a global trend. Given the rapid development of urbanization, the demand for electricity is even greater. Our task is to meet this demand for electricity both in China and in Russia. Moreover, this demand must be satisfied in the most effective ways and with a serious environmental agenda, so that it is not harmful to the environment,” said Tsivilev.

“We have all types of technology from which electricity can be generated. And we have reserves, these reserves of initial natural tools. Therefore, only with a combination of different energy sources can a truly efficient, sustainable electric power industry be formed. That is why we are now actively cooperating with the Chinese state on energy management to balance this energy development. I would like to say that our cooperation, first of all, is based on very good friendly relations. Secondly, we understand each other very well and always find solutions to all the problems that arise in a joint conversation. So, I look to the future of our joint work in the field of energy with great positivity and I am sure that this will always continue," he said.

Russia eyes for more extensive energy cooperation with China to promote 'energy justice': minister

A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.

The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.

Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.

Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.

Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.

Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.

"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.

Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.

The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.

Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.

"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.

The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.

"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.

US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building