China to Join Iran gas pipeline 
Persian Journal, Apr 14, 2005,
High consumption of natural gas in China has made the country interested in joining Iran-Pakistan-India joint gas pipelines project.

Consumption of natural gas in China has raised by 14/8 billion cm, from 15/2 billion cubic meter in 1992 to 30 billion cubic meter in 2002. Analysts believe that the amount would see a increase of 12 percent annually within the next decade.

Regarding China's 25-year gas contract with Iran and the country's need to a short and economical route to import natural gas, China sees the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipelines the best way to that effect.

Furthermore, setting joint gas pipelines between different countries in the region would be a long stride for boosting trade ties between regional countries and increasing security in the region.

China has turned into a top commercial partner of the Islamic Republic of Iran during recent years. Grounds are provided for the Islamic Republic of Iran and China to exchange modern technologies in energy and the like.