Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Power of Siberia 2 natural-gas pipeline during a regional summit in Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting signals a deepening energy dependency between Moscow and Beijing as Russia seeks new markets for its gas exports amid shifting geopolitical alignments.

The leaders met in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit from May 21 to May 22, 2026 [1]. The two-day event served as a backdrop for the presidents to coordinate on bilateral energy projects and broader regional security matters [2].

A primary focus of the talks was the Power of Siberia 2 project [3]. This pipeline is intended to increase the volume of Russian gas flowing into China, furthering the strategic energy partnership between the two nations [3].

Beyond energy infrastructure, the leaders addressed various regional issues affecting the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [4]. The discussions occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical tension, emphasizing the alignment between China and Russia on security and stability in Eurasia [4].

The meeting in Bishkek highlights the ongoing effort to solidify an economic bloc that operates independently of Western influence [5]. By securing long-term energy agreements, both nations aim to stabilize their domestic economies while projecting collective power in Central Asia [5].

Both presidents said the current state of their bilateral ties is at an unprecedented high [6]. This diplomatic synergy is intended to provide a counterweight to other global powers during a time of significant international volatility [6].

“The leaders met in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit from May 21 to May 22, 2026.”

The prioritization of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline underscores Russia's strategic pivot toward Asia to replace lost European energy markets. For China, securing a diversified and stable energy supply from the north reduces its reliance on maritime trade routes that are susceptible to external interference. Together, these developments strengthen a Sino-Russian axis that seeks to reshape the economic and security architecture of Eurasia.