Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has failed to convince Chinese leader Xi Jinping to approve the construction of a major new gas pipeline.
Details: The Washington Post said Putin had hoped to use his visit to finally secure Xi's approval for Russia's proposal to build the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline, which could deliver around 50 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas to China annually. However, the talks did not produce the outcome Moscow had been seeking.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists that there is currently no information on specific timelines for launching the project.
"In fact, the president said during the talks that there is already a general understanding of the main parameters of Power of Siberia 2," Peskov said. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]
He claimed that there is "an understanding of the route and of how it will be built. Some details still need to be finalised, but overall such an understanding already exists".
Meanwhile, analysts noted that Moscow is increasingly concerned about China's role as a major supplier of components used in Ukrainian drones, which has helped significantly expand production over the past year, despite Russia also relying on these supplies.
Xi and Putin also issued joint criticism of US policy during their talks, condemning "unilateral hegemony" and supporting deeper strategic partnership between China and Russia.
For reference: Power of Siberia-2 would require extensive construction work and negotiations, and its construction could take 8-10 years.
China is also seeking to increase purchases of Russian gas via the existing Power of Siberia-1 pipeline, as negotiations on the second pipeline have stalled, undermining Moscow's plans to find new export markets.
Background: Talks between Xi and Putin are continuing in Beijing. According to media reports, this marks Putin's 25th visit to China during his quarter of a century in power in Russia.
autistic_insomniac5 on May 21st, 2026 at 07:06 UTC »
Sounds like Putin has been reduced to a junior partner. Can’t win in Ukraine. Can no longer influence other nations. Russia hasn’t been this weak since the time of the Tzars.
skibbin on May 21st, 2026 at 06:48 UTC »
Coal is China's bedrock. Solar and wind, China is a world leader in capacity addition Hydropower makes up 13% of China's energy supply Nuclear, China is rapidly expanding. Gas plays only a supporting role.
China likes you to buy their stuff, made as self sufficiently as possible. Investing in infrastructure to buy someone else's stuff doesn't feel very 'China'
A swing and a miss Pooptin.
Samski877 on May 21st, 2026 at 06:44 UTC »
For all the talk of a “limitless partnership,” China still isn’t rushing to tie itself to Russia’s economic future.
Turns out being Moscow’s useful partner is one thing, writing a massive cheque to bail Putin out is another.