it already looks tempting. talks between energy companies and the US have been going on for years and china, now more established as a potential world power, is also in the negotiation mix.
example here:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/04/...rsibinvest.php
besides that, the US has had its eye on Russia's natural resources for years. With such a high rate of consumption of energy (i.e. approximately 40% of the world's energy consumption), the US cannot afford to let any potential resource slip out of sight. that being said, it is understandable that the US is interested. And as for China, with controlled population growth and a high potential for expansion in many industries (as some have already emerged to be major power and economic forces, such as nuclear power and the textile industry), it has to look far to protect and support this rate of growth and evolution. despite how China severed most of its connection with Russia years ago, it is a modern world and when resources are at stake, some of the past disagreements have taken place far on the backburners. Besides, it would be insane for China to pay little attention to what Russia can offer because of its neighboring proximity. That is, with so much so close, it is an advantage and convenience for China and Russia to forge a new economic partnership. And with Russia's economy in such poor condition, it is in Russia's best interest to use its resources to create partnerships with the most prominent and strongest candidates, and also to utilize the most out of them financially.
not to mention, russia's death rate exceeds their birth rate:
9.71 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
13.91 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
so the decline includes immigration from russia to other countries and a negative population growth.