Turkmenistan and China have begun expanding production at the giant Galkynysh gas field, a key development in the regional energy sector that reinforces Beijing’s dominant role in Central Asia’s gas supply chain. The expansion comes as global energy markets continue to adjust to shifting gas flows, supply diversification strategies and long-term energy security concerns across Asia and Europe.
The two countries broke ground on Friday for the fourth phase of development at the field, which is one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits. Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic holding the world’s fourth-largest gas reserves, has exported nearly all its gas to China since the opening of the Central Asia–China pipeline in 2009, underscoring Beijing’s strategic grip on regional energy infrastructure.
The ceremony took place in the Karakum desert, around 400 kilometres east of Ashgabat. Former president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who continues to wield significant political influence alongside his son President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, formally inaugurated the launch of the expansion phase. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the event, according to an AFP correspondent.
Ding Xuexiang described bilateral ties in energy terms, saying: “Turkmen gas is a symbol of happiness—it is present in every Chinese household.” The event also featured staged cultural performances promoting Turkmen-Chinese friendship, reflecting the highly symbolic and state-managed nature of Turkmenistan’s public ceremonies.
Galkynysh, which began producing gas in 2013, is considered the world’s second-largest gas field according to UK-based energy consultancy GaffneyCline. Expansion works are being carried out by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the state-owned Chinese energy giant that plays a central role in securing long-term gas supply contracts for China’s growing industrial and residential demand.
CNPC chairman Dai Houliang, during a visit to Ashgabat ahead of the ceremony, said “the friendship between China and Turkmenistan is as deep as the roots of a tree,” highlighting the long-term strategic nature of energy cooperation between the two countries.
The expansion is expected to further strengthen China’s access to stable pipeline gas supplies at a time when global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, shipping route risks and competition among major importers. For Turkmenistan, the project reinforces its heavy dependence on a single export market, while for China it supports energy security goals and reduces exposure to spot LNG price fluctuations in global markets.
