China has confirmed the existence of gas hydrates, a potential energy resource, in western China tundras, becoming the world's third country to confirm its finding after United States and Canada.

The hydrates were found in the permanently frozen subsoil to the south of Qilian Mountain in Qinghai province.

Zhang Hongtao, chief engineer from the ministry, said on Friday that workers have successfully collected gas hydrate samples containing methane, ethane and carbon dioxide.