Russian crude oil could potentially alleviate China's energy demands
In the ever-evolving landscape of global energy politics, one project stands out as a potential gamechanger: the Power of Siberia - 2 pipeline. This ambitious project, initially launched in 2019, aims to transport about 50 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year from Russia to China via Mongolia, but as of mid-2025, negotiations remain ongoing, with no final agreement reached[1][2].
China, the world's largest energy consumer, has shown cautious interest in large-scale Russian pipeline projects, focusing on strategic and technological considerations amid broader geopolitical and energy trade dynamics in the region[3]. The delay in the Power of Siberia - 2 project coincides with China already receiving gas through the original Power of Siberia pipeline at full capacity (38 bcm annually) and exploring other supply avenues, including Central Asian deliveries and domestic production boosts[4].
Meanwhile, recent geopolitical events, such as attacks on Iranian territory and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could disrupt Iranian oil supplies, which could indirectly influence China's energy sourcing decisions. However, it's important to note that the Power of Siberia - 2 is a gas pipeline, not an oil pipeline, and there is no direct link between the project and China's crude oil imports from Iran[4].
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References:
- Power of Siberia 2: Russia and China's Next Gas Megadeal
- Russia's Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline: What we know
- China's Cautious Approach to Large-scale Russian Pipeline Projects
- Power of Siberia - 2: Russia's Gas Pipeline to China Amidst Iran Tensions
The world's largest energy consumer, China, has expressed cautious interest in the expansion of Russian pipeline projects, such as the Power of Siberia - 2, due to strategic and technological considerations within the regional energy trade dynamics and global politics. Meanwhile, negotiations for the Power of Siberia - 2 pipeline, aimed at transporting natural gas from Russia to China via Mongolia, are still ongoing, while China receives gas through the original Power of Siberia pipeline at full capacity and explores alternative supply routes.
