A spokesman from China's foreign ministry indicated Tuesday the recent trip by premier Wen Jiabao had pushed forward the country's goal of greater oil security.

At a press briefing Kong Quan was asked about Wen's efforts to nail down pipeline deals with Kazakhstan and Russia at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, followed by meetings with leaders in Moscow.

In response to a question about the Kazakh deal Kong said: Companies from the countries will start construction tomorrow (Wednesday) which is expected to be finished by the end of 2005. He did not provide specifics on the pipeline route.

On efforts to obtain energy supplies from Russia, Kong said Russia is willing to expand petroleum and natural gas cooperation. He said any Far Eastern pipeline from Russia will actively consider a link to China and rail shipments of oil will reach 10 million tons in 2005 and 15 million tons in 2006. He also said both sides will step up cooperation in natural gas projects.