Putin fails to convince Xi Jinping to build gas pipeline to China – WP
Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has failed to convince Chinese leader Xi Jinping to approve the construction of a major new gas pipeline.
Source: The Washington Post
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.
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