Russia and China have deepened their strategic partnership by sealing a long-delayed energy pact that shows the growing alignment between Russia and China.
The deal was signed following a meeting in the Chinese capital, Beijing between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom announced that the legally binding agreement will see the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline, a massive project that will carry 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from western Russia to northern China through Mongolia.
The deal, which includes a 30-year supply contract, is a major boost for Russia as it seeks to redirect energy exports lost in Europe since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.
Gazprom chief Aleksey Miller said China would pay a price lower than what Europe had previously been charged.
Putin hailed Russia-China relations as being at an “unprecedentedly high level,” stressing their shared commitment to supporting each other’s development and resisting Western pressure.
Xi described Putin as an “old friend,” affirming that China is ready to work closely with Russia to uphold “fairness and justice” in global governance.
The pipeline accord was the centerpiece of Putin’s multi-day visit to China, his longest trip abroad since the start of the Ukraine conflict, and reflects a growing partnership that both leaders say is rooted in history and aimed at shaping a “new era” of international relations.
