May 9, 2025
Russia Reports Ongoing Discussions with China Regarding a New Gas Pipeline.
Russia is currently engaged in active discussions with China regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to increase Russian gas exports to China, as stated by Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow.
Despite these “active” negotiations, it is improbable that an agreement on the gas pipeline will be finalized before May 9, according to Tsivilev's remarks to reporters, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, is scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, and will participate in a grand parade on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, alongside leaders from nations that maintain friendly relations with Russia post-Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has been attempting for years to secure China's commitment for a new natural gas pipeline, the Power of Siberia 2, which would connect vast gas fields in Western Russia to China via Mongolia. However, despite Russian assurances, there has yet to be a definitive commitment from China regarding the pricing and volume of gas imports.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, China has emerged as Russia’s primary gas customer and major trade partner, negotiating from a position of strength. Russia seems to be facing challenges in persuading China to accept additional pipeline gas due to disagreements over pricing.
Tsivilev indicated that Russia and China are discussing a route through Mongolia, with companies working on contract drafting. He expressed doubt that a resolution would be reached before May 9.
Despite these “active” negotiations, it is improbable that an agreement on the gas pipeline will be finalized before May 9, according to Tsivilev's remarks to reporters, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, is scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, and will participate in a grand parade on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, alongside leaders from nations that maintain friendly relations with Russia post-Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has been attempting for years to secure China's commitment for a new natural gas pipeline, the Power of Siberia 2, which would connect vast gas fields in Western Russia to China via Mongolia. However, despite Russian assurances, there has yet to be a definitive commitment from China regarding the pricing and volume of gas imports.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, China has emerged as Russia’s primary gas customer and major trade partner, negotiating from a position of strength. Russia seems to be facing challenges in persuading China to accept additional pipeline gas due to disagreements over pricing.
Tsivilev indicated that Russia and China are discussing a route through Mongolia, with companies working on contract drafting. He expressed doubt that a resolution would be reached before May 9.