BEIJING: While many European countries (EC) are attempting to wean themselves off Russian gas, China is importing an increasing amount of energy from its neighbour.

For the third consecutive month, according to data from Beijing's Customs Office, Russia is China's top oil supplier.  China reportedly imported 7.15 million tonnes of Russian oil in total in July, an increase of 7.6% over the same month last year.

With 7.42 million tonnes in July, which is around 14% more than in the same month last year, China's imports of coal from Russia reached their highest level in more than five years.

The European Union has been working to lessen its reliance on Russian energy supplies in light of the country's invasion of Ukraine, which began over six months ago. In contrast, China has been increasing imports by taking advantage of Moscow's lower commodities pricing. 

However, Beijing has not yet denounced Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

Following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine more than 100 days ago, the EU demanded that the bloc drastically reduce its reliance on Russian energy. But question arises that  what has the EU actually accomplished since then?

Historically, Russia has been the second-largest oil provider behind Saudi Arabia and the world's top exporter of natural gas. It has also been the top importer of oil, gas, and coal into the EU, providing two-fifths of the gas, a quarter of the crude oil, and over half of all exports of solid fuel, such as coal.

Treaty allies between China and the US improving military ties with Thailand

Chinese economy faltering; policy rate cut impact global financial markets

US and Chinese scientists discover an easy method to eliminate harmful "forever chemicals"