Russia and China Discuss Power of Siberia 2 and New Agreements

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their strategic partnership during talks in Beijing, held shortly after US President Donald Trump’s visit to China. The meeting is being closely watched by Western governments and financial markets.

Moscow is expected to use the talks to advance negotiations on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a project Russia and China have discussed for more than a decade. Progress has been slowed by disagreements over gas prices and Beijing’s efforts to diversify its energy supplies.

Xi welcomed Putin to Beijing with military honors and emphasized the growing trust and strategic cooperation between the two countries. According to the Chinese president, Beijing and Moscow should strengthen long-term coordination and support a “more just and reasonable” global governance system.

Putin described ties with China as a model for modern international relations and stressed that Russia remains a reliable energy supplier despite tensions in the Middle East.

Ahead of the summit, the Kremlin said it had “serious expectations” for the talks. The two sides are expected to sign around 40 agreements and issue a joint statement on expanding cooperation.

(reuters, mja)