Putin and Xi Conclude Beijing Summit with 20 Agreements, But Key Pipeline Deal Remains Elusive
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a summit in Beijing on Wednesday, signing 20 bilateral agreements and extending the 2001 Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
According to the joint declaration from the two leaders, the documents focus on building a "multipolar world" and strengthening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. However, no final agreement was reached on the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.
No final agreement was reached on the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.
Pipeline Agreement Unresolved
The proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, designed to transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Russia's Yamal Peninsula to northern China via Mongolia, remains without a finalized contract.
Kremlin Position: Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that while an understanding on key parameters—including the route and construction process—was reached, some details remain unresolved. Peskov added that no clear timeline has been established for the project.
Chinese Position: Chinese President Xi Jinping described energy cooperation as a "ballast stone" for bilateral relations but made no specific reference to the pipeline in public remarks.
A legally binding memorandum to advance construction of the pipeline was signed in September 2025.
Broader Summit Outcomes
The agreements were signed at the Great Hall of the People. An additional 20 documents are expected to be announced separately.
During the talks, Putin stated the two nations would "expand bilateral cooperation and actively engage in international forums" and that they are "committed to an independent and sovereign foreign policy."
Xi characterized Russian-Chinese relations as a "model" for relations between two major powers and warned of "unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents."
Xi described energy cooperation as a "ballast stone" for bilateral relations.
The summit took place one week after US President Donald Trump's three-day visit to Beijing, during which no substantive announcements were made. Peskov declined to directly compare the two visits, stating it is "more meaningful to compare substance rather than ceremonial trappings."
Background Context
Russia has sought to redirect natural gas exports from Europe to China following a decline in Russian gas flows to Europe after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to analysts cited by sources, China has expressed wariness of over-reliance on a single gas supplier, despite Russia being a top energy supplier to China and increasing oil shipments after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The lack of a finalized deal represents a "huge setback" for Russia.
Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute stated that the lack of a finalized deal represents a "huge setback" for Russia, noting that China may be leveraging its position as Russia has lost leverage due to reduced European gas trade.