Russian minister says China may play an active role in exploring for oil and natural gas reserves in the arctic region. Photo by longtaildog/Shutterstock MOSCOW, Nov. 16 (UPI) — Russia’s deputy energy minister said Monday an invitation to China was on the table to help with energy exploration strategies in the arctic. A lack of infrastructure in the arctic north of Russia is putting a moderate throttle on the region’s oil production. Russian Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky told state news agency RIA Novosti there were talks between Russian oil company Rosneft and China on working in the arctic to enhance operations there. “The topic is in discussion at the company level,” he said. “As far as I know, Rosneft is negotiating [with China.]” In Russia’s far north Yamal Peninsula, full-year oil production is waning by nearly 4 percent from last year to around 152 million barrels. Gazprom Neft […]