Oil pumped from Kazakhstan has reached China through a 962-kilometer pipeline linking the two countries, China\'s \"People\'s Daily\" reported on May 25. The event marks the first direct pipeline import of oil to China. Yin Juntai, deputy general manager of China Petroleum Exploration and Development Company, commented that the pipeline, which was completed in November, \"has provided a direct link between Kazakhstan\'s rich oil resources and China\'s robust oil consumer market.\" The $700 million pipeline will eventually transport 20 million tons of oil a year to China. The \"People\'s Daily\" report said that China\'s oil imports from Kazakhstan are expected to total 4.75 million tons in 2006. (RFE/RL)