Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China has produced Moscow’s most significant step yet in its “pivot to the east,” with the signing of a deal to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline linking Western Siberia to northern China through Mongolia.
The project, sealed after nearly two decades of stalled talks, gives Russia a crucial outlet for gas once destined for Europe, while bolstering China’s energy security at a time of global supply uncertainty. Analysts say the agreement signals a deepening Moscow-Beijing alliance, even as Brussels weighs a 19th sanctions package against Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Though pricing and timelines remain unclear, the project is seen as a strategic lifeline for Russia and a major win for China, redrawing Eurasia’s energy map and undermining Western efforts to isolate Moscow.