Russia-China ties: Putin, Xi push ahead to build new gas pipeline; to boost 'clean energy' supply

Russia on Tuesday said it had signed a legally binding agreement with China to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a project aimed at further strengthening energy and strategic ties between the two countries.

The pact was signed during President Vladimir Putin' visit to Beijing, reported AFP.

The planned pipeline, which would run through Mongolia, is expected to supply up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas annually, according to Russian state agency TASS.


"Today, a very important step has been taken to further strengthen and develop our strategic partnership, to increase reliable supplies of clean energy, natural gas, to China," said Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller, according to AFP.

He also confirmed that Gazprom and China’s CNPC will increase shipments by 15 percent through the existing Power of Siberia pipeline.

The memorandum, however, is not a final contract. Pricing and other key details remain unresolved despite years of negotiations.

Still, the announcement highlights Moscow’s pivot to Asia for energy sales, with China and India now replacing Europe as Russia’s biggest customers since the Ukraine war disrupted traditional markets.

The deal also comes as US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on nations buying Russian energy. However, China has so far avoided such measures despite repeated warnings from Washington.

The Power of Siberia 2 agreement was among more than two dozen deals signed during Putin’s four-day trip to China, underlining the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Beijing at a time of growing Western pressure.