Staff Reports
President Vladimir Putin flew to Beijing looking for a big win. He got the red carpet and the photo op. What he did not get was the one prize he most wanted: a clear commitment from China to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. That matters. PoS‑2 would be a lifeline for Russian gas money after Europe closed its wallets. Instead, Putin came home with warm words and no construction date.
China Plays Hardball on Power of Siberia 2
Beijing made it plain that its “no‑limits” bromance with Russia has limits when money is on the table. China keeps pointing out engineering hurdles. It also keeps demanding Russian gas be sold at domestic‑price discounts. And Beijing does not want to become too dependent on one supplier. Those are prudent, not sentimental, reasons to hold back.
Why Russia Needs the Pipeline (And Why It Won’t Fold Easily)
Russia needs new customers after Europe shut down big purchases over the Ukraine war. PoS‑2 would carry about 50 billion cubic meters of gas a year and bring in badly needed revenue. Putin has pushed this project for years. But Moscow’s refusal to offer big price cuts and China’s new options for energy means the project stalls. Platitudes from the Kremlin spokesman do not equal a deal.
America’s Energy Advantage Is Getting Real
Meanwhile, President Trump has been busy selling American energy. China is already booked for U.S. LNG shipments from Texas, Louisiana and Alaska according to business reports. Four U.S. tankers are on the way. That is a geopolitical win wrapped in a shipping manifest. If Xi will buy U.S. LNG, China can squeeze Russia on price and timing. Putin had hoped for a captive customer; instead he met competition.
The bottom line is simple. Xi plays a longer game than photo ops. He wants cheap energy, diversity of suppliers, and leverage. Putin wanted a shortcut to cash and prestige. He didn’t get it. The lesson is obvious for Republicans who care about national strength: keep producing energy, keep markets open, and watch rivals negotiate from a weaker hand. If Putin learned anything from this trip, it’s that the old energy map is changing — and America is back at the center of it.
