China has opened twin crude and gas pipelines through Myanmar to China, which will help diversify supply routes, which are now dependant on transport through the South China Sea. The Financial Times reports the pipeline can provide close to 6% of China’s crude imports.
The announcement was made on Tuesday as Myanmar President Htin Kyaw finished a six-day state visit, during which the two countries signed nine cooperative agreements, according to Chinese state media. The agreements include the development of an industrial park and deep-sea port in Myanmar’s Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone.