China signs major LNG deal with Qatar as Beijing's Gulf push continues

June 20, 2023 Qatar signed a major liquified natural gas (LNG) deal with China on Tuesday, further strengthening the Gulf state's energy ties to the People's Republic. QatarEnergy inked a 27-year agreement with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to provide 4 million tons of LNG per year. CNPC will also receive a 5% interest in Qatar's North Field East expansion project. The stake is equivalent to one LNG "train" with a capacity of 8 million tons per year, according to a press release. LNG trains are facilities in which gas is converted into liquid form. Qatari Energy Minister Saad…