Russia–China gas pipeline plan revived
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting revived the plan to construct a gas pipeline linking Russia with China. According to Al-Jazeera and the BBC, the main agenda of the Putin-Xi talks was energy security. Ahead of the talks, analysts suggested Putin was expected to discuss Power of Siberia 2. The project is a gas pipeline that would connect Russia and China. It has reportedly stalled over price disputes, and China’s reluctance to depend too heavily on a single country for its energy needs.
China is known to have imported large volumes of oil and gas from Russia. Putin hopes that the ongoing conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will shift China’s view of the project.
Putin arrived at Beijing’s airport at 23:15 local time on Tuesday (19 May). AFP reported that his arrival was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a performance by a military-band ensemble.
Mutual praise at the meeting: Xi and Putin praised progress in their strategic partnership. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as saying that both countries should focus on long-term strategy and promote a global governance system that is “more just and reasonable.” “The reason China–Russia relations have reached this level is that we have deepened mutual political trust and strategic cooperation,” Xi said at the start of his meeting with Putin.
Putin said the relationship helps ensure global stability. He noted that Russia continues to be a reliable energy supplier amid upheaval in the Middle East. “Even amidst external factors that are unfavourable, our cooperation and economic ties continue to show good momentum,” Putin said, adding that he had invited Xi to visit Russia next year. Putin called Xi a “friend” and Xi referred to him as an “old friend.” Putin’s arrival comes as bilateral trade between the two countries improves after a decline last year.
Two-way trade rose by 16.1 per cent in the first four months of this year compared with the same period in 2025 in terms of value. Trade between China and Russia was worth 1.63 trillion yuan (USD 240 billion) in 2025, down 6.5 per cent from a record in 2024 and marking the first decline in five years.
Putin acknowledged the need to reverse the downward trend, signalling China’s role as a vital economic corridor for Moscow, which has been hurt by sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
Putin arrived in China with a delegation including a deputy prime minister, several ministers, heads of state-owned enterprises and major banks. The Kremlin has set “serious expectations” for Putin’s visit, which comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
Revival of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline: The BBC, citing Russia’s RIA Novosti, reported that Russia and China have reached broad consensus on Power of Siberia 2. The project is expected to carry up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to China each year.
Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said some issues still needed to be resolved but a consensus exists, including the pipeline’s route and construction method. No further details or timetable were provided. If built and completed, the pipeline would transport up to 50 bcm of natural gas per year to China via Mongolia. The gas is expected to originate from Russia’s Yamal field. That amount accounts for about 12% of China’s total gas consumption, according to 2025 projections.
The deal stalled for years due to price disagreements. But earlier this week reports suggested that Gazprom (Russia’s gas giant) and China National Petroleum Corporation had signed a preliminary agreement.
With Russia’s economy under mounting pressure and Western sanctions eroding its resources, the project could be very important for Russia. China remains Russia’s main trading partner and its biggest customer for oil and gas.