China is signaling a major push to secure more natural gas from Russia, raising curiosity and attention in global energy markets. The country’s draft five-year plan has included references to two key pipelines that transport Russian natural gas, potentially putting the long-discussed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline back into the spotlight. This move comes amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, where conflicts have created uncertainty in energy supplies.
China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights Gas Pipeline Work
China recently released the draft version of its development blueprint for 2026 to 2030 during the annual session of its top legislature. Among the various infrastructure and energy projects, the plan specifically mentions advancing preparatory work on two major pipelines. One of these is widely believed to refer to the Power of Siberia 2 project.
Power of Siberia 2 is designed to bring natural gas from Russia to China through Mongolia. If completed, it would stretch around 2,600 kilometers (1,615 miles) and could deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Analysts say this pipeline could significantly strengthen China’s energy security at a time when international conflicts, including a war in Iran, are causing energy price volatility worldwide.
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Despite this inclusion in the five-year plan, experts caution that work on the pipeline is far from immediate. Russia and China still need to resolve issues regarding ownership stakes, construction costs, and the price of gas that will flow through the pipeline. Both countries will need to settle these details before they can begin full-scale construction.
Strategic Cooperation with Mongolia
The pipeline is not just a bilateral project between Russia and China; Mongolia also plays a key role. Earlier this year, Mongolia’s government held talks with Chinese energy officials, during which both sides agreed to intensify cooperation on a Russian gas pipeline passing through Mongolian territory.
This comes after a legally binding memorandum signed in September during trilateral talks in Beijing. The agreement outlined the construction of two pipelines: Power of Siberia 2 to China and the Soyuz Vostok transit gas pipeline through Mongolia. While exact financial details remain unclear, discussions suggest that Russia and China may share both the costs and benefits of the Mongolian section of the pipeline.
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Previously, Russia’s Gazprom had a near-monopoly over the Mongolian segment. Current discussions indicate that China may now become more involved in the construction and financing of this section. This development is seen as a sign that momentum is building toward a final agreement among the three countries.
Pipeline Importance Amid Global Energy Challenges
The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project has been under discussion for nearly two decades, with multiple delays since talks began in 2006. Its estimated cost is around $13.6 billion. Once operational, it would provide China with a substantial and reliable supply of natural gas.
Global energy markets are currently experiencing significant disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, including the ongoing war in Iran. These events have put additional pressure on countries to secure alternative sources of energy. For China, expanding gas imports from Russia could help offset shortages and stabilize domestic energy supply.
The pipeline would not only serve China’s growing energy needs but also reduce its reliance on volatile energy regions. Analysts note that while the draft five-year plan is a strong indicator of intent, actual construction will take years and require careful coordination between Russian, Chinese, and Mongolian authorities.
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While China has not set an official timeline, including the project in the national development plan signals that the country is prioritizing it. Observers say that once China and Russia finalize financial and technical agreements, they could begin preparatory work, marking a significant step in their energy cooperation.
The project offers benefits beyond energy security. By involving Chinese companies in construction and engineering, China could gain experience and strengthen its influence in large-scale international energy projects. The initiative highlights the strategic nature of energy diplomacy in the region and shows how countries tie infrastructure investments closely to geopolitical considerations.