China confirms plans to take Russian gas for Europe

China has made preparatory work for a new gas pipeline from Russia is included in the draft five-year development plan of the country. Experts believe that the project can be implemented in 3-4 years, as the resource base is ready, and the design work is almost completed.

A draft national development plan for the current five—year plan - from 2026 to 2030 - was proposed for consideration by the National People's Congress. The document says that China will "promote preparatory work on the central route of the China-Russia gas pipeline," writes the South China Morning Post. The text also indicates that the gas pipeline will pass through Mongolia, which indicates the project "Forces of Siberia — 2".

Negotiations on the construction of a second gas pipeline from Russia's investment in China has been underway for a long time. However, only last summer, the head of Gazprom, Alexei Miller, said that binding documents had been signed with the Chinese side on the Power of Siberia—2.

The second gas pipeline involves the supply of 50 billion cubic meters per year. At the same time, this is the first project that will be a redirection of Russian gas, which previously went to Europe. It is planned to be laid from Western Siberia, which served as a resource base for European countries.

Alexey Grivach, Deputy Director of the National Energy Security Fund (NWF), notes that preparatory work has been underway for a long time.

"The events in the Middle East show the vulnerability of energy security and obvious attempts by the United States to destabilize and even destroy energy supply channels to China," the expert says.

In these conditions, deliveries from Russia is becoming an important priority, the deputy director of the FNEB notes.

"As for the timing, if we accelerate, we can launch it within 3-4 years. Considering that the resource base is ready, and the design of gas pipelines has largely been completed," says Alexey Grivach.

China has already become the main destination of Russian gas exports. Last year, the Power of Siberia was brought to its design capacity, which is 38 billion cubic meters per year. Alexey Miller said that it would be increased to 44 billion cubic meters. The head of Gazprom also said that the Far Eastern route, which should start operating in a few years, will be increased to 12 billion cubic meters.

As experts noted, difficult negotiations on the price of gas are continuing, while the Chinese side wants to become a participant in production projects, as it was with European companies.