Photo: EPA
Vladimir Putin once again failed to secure Chinese approval for the construction of the “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline during his latest visit to Beijing, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The stalled negotiations highlighted both the importance and the limits of Russia’s growing dependence on China in the energy sector.
During the visit, Putin and Xi Jinping publicly presented themselves as forces of stability opposing what they described as chaos created by the United States in recent months.
Only days after Donald Trump visited Beijing, the Russian and Chinese leaders criticized US actions in the Middle East and Latin America, including strikes on Iran and Washington’s role in the political crisis surrounding Nicolás Maduro.
In a joint statement, Moscow and Beijing condemned:
- “treacherous military strikes against other countries”;
- the “hypocritical use of negotiations as cover” for attacks;
- “assassinations of sovereign leaders”;
- destabilization of domestic political systems;
- attempts at regime change;
- and the “brazen abduction” of national leaders for prosecution.
Xi stated that “unilateral hegemony is flourishing,” in remarks widely interpreted as directed at the United States.
The Chinese leader also emphasized that ending hostilities in the Middle East was “extremely urgent” in order to stabilize energy supplies, industrial chains, and international trade.
At the same time, China effectively echoed Russia’s rhetoric regarding Ukraine. In their joint statement, Beijing supported Moscow’s call to address the “root causes” of the war — language Russia frequently uses to justify demands aimed at limiting Ukraine’s Western alignment and NATO aspirations.
Despite the public display of unity, the report notes that serious tensions persist beneath the surface of the relationship. Russia has become increasingly dependent on China both for energy exports and for Chinese-made components needed for its war effort.
Western officials cited in the report also said that Russian authorities are investigating at least one alleged case of Chinese espionage, underscoring deep mistrust between the two countries’ intelligence services.
Meanwhile, Moscow is reportedly concerned that Chinese-made components are also helping fuel Ukraine’s rapidly expanding drone industry.
Putin had hoped to persuade Xi to finally approve the “Power of Siberia 2” project, which could deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that there is still no timeline for launching the pipeline.
According to Peskov, the sides generally understand the route and framework of the project, but key details remain unresolved.
The report concludes that despite Putin’s 25th visit to Beijing and years of proclaimed strategic partnership, Russia has still failed to achieve an equal relationship with China, while Beijing increasingly dictates the terms of cooperation.
