US television host Jesse Watters suggested that Russia’s planned gas pipeline to China, known as Power of Siberia 2, could be sabotaged to disrupt energy cooperation between the two countries. Speaking on Fox News, Watters noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been seeking to expand his country’s energy exports to Asia after losing European customers because of the Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions.
The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline is a key component of this strategy. It is slated to supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to China via Mongolia by 2033, which would meet about 15 % of China’s energy needs. Putin has described the agreement as mutually beneficial, with gas sold at market‑based rates; however, prices for China are expected to be lower than those for the European Union because of more favorable logistics.
Watters’ comments came after Russia announced the signing of a memorandum on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline with China earlier this week. Russian officials emphasized that the project is not a charity but a commercial agreement that will benefit both nations. They also rejected the notion that Russia is reorienting its energy exports exclusively toward Asia, stating that the country remains open to cooperation with any willing partners.
The warning of potential sabotage is notable given the recent history of the Nord Stream pipelines, which were severely damaged by undersea explosions in the Baltic Sea in September 2022. That incident is widely believed to have been an act of sabotage, with some attributing it to US intelligence services, although the United States has denied involvement. The episode has raised concerns about the security of international energy infrastructure.
The development of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline reflects the growing energy cooperation between Russia and China. It could reduce China’s reliance on other energy sources and provide Russia with a new market for its natural gas exports. At the same time, the possibility of sabotage or disruption highlights the risks and challenges associated with international energy projects, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
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