Power of Siberia 2: Russia’s Energy Pivot to the East

Russia is cementing its energy pivot to the East with a landmark deal for the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. The agreement, finalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, will see China become a long-term, primary customer, receiving up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually for the next three decades. The deal underscores a new reality in global energy markets and strengthens the economic ties between the two nations.
The strategic alliance is more than just economic. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin hailed their bilateral relationship as being at an “unprecedentedly high level.” Their talks, focused on strategic coordination, were held on the eve of a massive Victory Day military parade, an event that has attracted dozens of world leaders. The guest list is a clear signal of a growing bloc of nations that are seeking to create alternatives to Western-led global institutions.
The parade, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Japan in World War II, is a powerful symbol of this new alliance. It is set to feature a grand display of military might, including marching formations, tanks, and fighter jets. The diverse guest list, according to analysts, is a clear signal of a collective desire to challenge the unipolar world. It is a show of strength and unity, a direct message to the West about a new geopolitical reality.
Adding to the diplomatic intrigue, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a significant arrival by armored train, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, in her first international appearance. Her presence has sparked widespread speculation about her future role and the deepening ties between Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow. A Kremlin aide’s suggestion that a meeting between Putin and Kim could be on the horizon only adds to the diplomatic buzz, hinting at a potential trilateral alliance.
As the parade preparations continue, a broader regional strategy is also taking shape. Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of closer cooperation between China, Russia, and Mongolia, signaling a unified vision for regional stability and economic growth. The events unfolding in Beijing are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger, coordinated effort to re-draw the global map and forge a new geopolitical reality.