Putin Visits China, Reaches Gas Supply Expansion Agreement

Putin-Xi Summit Achieves Gas Pipeline Agreements Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China from August 31 to September 3, participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the 7th China-Mongolia-Russia trilateral summit, and China-Russia bilateral meetings. During the September 2 Russia-China-Mongolia summit, a legally binding memorandum was signed for the construction of the "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline from Russia to China and the "Soyuz Vostok" section through Mongolia. The pipeline's gas transport capacity will reach 50 billion cubic meters annually. Expanded Gas Supply Agreements Separately, Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller announced the signing of commercial agreements with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) for natural gas supply. Under these agreements, supply through the existing "Power of Siberia" pipeline will increase from 38 billion to 44 billion cubic meters annually, while the "Far East Route" supply will expand from 10 billion to 12 billion cubic meters annually. China will implement a one-year trial program allowing Russian citizens visa-free stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes, starting September 15.