The Russian president pledges to open up exports of liquefied natural gas to meet Far East demand.
Talks also underway on gas supply route to China via Altai Mountains.
Satellites show giant hole ringed by 20 'baby craters'.
Gas bubbles from waters filling crater hole on Yamal peninsula two months after volcanic-style explosion in thawing permafrost.
Scientists say there is growing evidence that rising temperatures were catalyst for massive unexplained holes in ground.
A deal would be the biggest Chinese equity participation in onshore oil in Russia.
Pictures prove the gruesome fate of reindeer 'to meet demands for traditional medicines in China and South Korea'.
Or is it too expensive to put the environment before the need for energy?