"We consider cooperation in the energy sphere to be very important, I would say, a key point on the agenda of Chinese-Russian business cooperation," Li said.
The ambassador added that the two countries' leaders actively support increasing collaboration in the energy sphere, which has great potential.
The interview came ahead of the 13th Annual Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation, which is due to be held in the southeastern Russian city of Sochi on May 30. Beijing and Moscow will review intermediate results for cooperation in the sector and will determine ways for its further development.
The parties are also expected to discuss the "western route" pipeline for Russian gas supplies to China, known as the Power of Siberia-2.