Chinese and Russian Presidents inaugurated the first cross-border pipeline between their countries, called the “Power of Siberia”. Gas supply to China via this pipe has started.
The central aim of this gas pipeline is to pump natural gas to China from Russia’s far-east regions. Under the contract, Russia will deliver 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas to China over the next 30 years.
Gas is being sourced from Chayandinskoye and Kovytka fields in eastern Siberia, and is then piped to Blagoveshchensk — the last town on the Russian side of the border. From there, it is tunneled under the Amur River, before entering Heihe on the Chinese side.
Significance of the Project
Energy Security: For China, the significance of the pipeline project is that it will feed its industries, which are mostly situated in the north. They are trying to move away from coal to cleaner alternatives; the pipeline supply will help secure its demand for energy security.
Trade: China is in talks with Russia over two more pipelines: the Power of Siberia 2 that will supply over 30 billion cubic metres annually to China’s western border with Russia.Another pipeline from Sakhalin Island, may become a part of Russia’s export route to Japan, South Korea and China.
Close Relations: For Russia, on the other hand, the pipeline project signals the country’s pro-China sentiment.
Impact on India
Changing Military Ties: Russia provided India arms to maintain a formidable military profile, but also provided invaluable political support on a variety of regional issues. Transfer of military technology has been an important part of both the old and the new Russian-Chinese relationship.
Energy: Russia has become a new source of LNG for India. This brand new pipeline is an emblem of closer energy integration in Eurasia, with Russia and China as the key partners. Together, China and India can be Russia’s formidable customers for its resources getting stable supplies in return.
