China has indicated it will fast-track preparations for a major natural gas pipeline from Russia, according to the draft of its upcoming five-year development plan. The move comes amid renewed threats to global energy supplies from conflict in the Middle East.
The draft blueprint for 2026–2030, presented to China’s National People’s Congress, states Beijing will “advance preparatory work” on the “central route of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline.” Market analysts interpret this as a reference to the long-discussed Power of Siberia 2 project, which could see construction accelerated given the current instability. The pipeline is designed to transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from western Siberia to northern China via Mongolia.
Russia and China signed a legally binding memorandum for the pipeline in September, following nearly a decade of negotiations. The agreement was announced during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing. This project would significantly expand on the existing Power of Siberia pipeline, which began operations in 2019 and reached full capacity in late 2024. Russia is already China’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) after Qatar.
The development aligns with shifting global energy logistics. Recent escalation between Israel and Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for LNG cargoes. China receives approximately 18% of its LNG from Qatar and up to 5% from the UAE, with most shipments transiting the now-impeded strait. Diversifying supply routes overland from Russia reduces reliance on these vulnerable maritime corridors.
The draft five-year plan also references the “China-Russia Far East Natural Gas Pipeline.” Constructed by Russia’s Gazprom and China’s CNPC, this line runs from Dalnerechensk near the Russian-Chinese border and has an annual capacity of 12 billion cubic meters. It is complete and scheduled to begin operations in January 2027.
Russia is actively redirecting energy flows away from Europe. President Putin recently warned of a potential halt to gas supplies to the EU ahead of a planned 2027 ban, pledging instead to supply “reliable” partners. Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak confirmed some Russian LNG formerly destined for Europe will be rerouted to Asia-Pacific markets, including China. These remarks have raised concerns in Europe about future energy security and prompted political debate over sanctions on Russian energy.
Despite extensive Western sanctions, China has deepened its energy partnership with Russia. The two nations declared a “no-limits” friendship in 2022. Bilateral trade now exceeds $200 billion annually, with Russia serving as a leading energy provider. In November, President Xi Jinping pledged further cooperation at a China-Russia Energy Business Forum in Beijing.
The push to accelerate the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline underscores a strategic realignment in global gas trade. For China, it enhances long-term energy security through a land-based import route less susceptible to regional conflicts. For Russia, it provides a stable outlet for its vast gas resources as European markets contract. The project’s progression will be closely watched as an indicator of deepening Sino-Russian economic integration amid ongoing geopolitical volatility.
