"US sanctions have created certain problems for trade exchanges between China and Russia. The sides are actively engaged in urgent talks to find an effective solution to this problem," the diplomat said.
China counts on cooperation with Russia to increase trade in crude oil, the ambassador put forward, adding that Beijing was opposed to unilateral sanctions and other attempts to interfere in global commodities trade.
"In terms of market demand, energy cooperation between China and Russia holds many opportunities. I am certain that China and Russia will work together to uphold a healthy, stable trade in crude oil and other energy resources," the diplomat said in Moscow.
Ambassador Zhang said China had always contributed to efforts to protect global energy security in times of volatility in the global market, while opposing restrictions imposed on trade by other countries.
"China has been consistently opposed to unilateral sanctions and interference by third parties in energy commodities trade," he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to maintain communication on strategic issues, and Beijing welcomes the Russian leader’s upcoming state visit following his inauguration, Zhang Hanhui shared with Sputnik.
"The two heads of state agreed to continue to maintain close contacts and conduct in-depth exchanges of views on Sino-Russian relations and strategic issues of common interest," the diplomat said, adding that Beijing "welcomes" Putin’s announced state visit after his inauguration.