Russia and China are deepening energy ties through increased oil and gas purchases and agreements to build new land-based pipelines [1].
This strategic shift allows Moscow to secure alternative export routes while China ensures a steady energy supply. By utilizing land-based infrastructure, both nations can avoid volatile maritime corridors, specifically the Gulf of Oman shipping lanes and the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2].
The partnership has accelerated since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 [3]. This momentum continued during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing in May 2024, where energy cooperation remained a central pillar of discussions [3, 4].
A primary component of this infrastructure is the Power of Siberia pipeline, which spans 3,000 km [1]. This route, along with the Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean line, provides a direct land link that is immune to the naval blockades or regional conflicts that often threaten Gulf shipping [1, 2].
Reports on the specific outcomes of recent diplomatic visits vary. Yahoo Finance said that Russia and China agreed to move forward with a new gas pipeline during President Putin's trip to China [2]. However, Energy Intel said that no breakthrough oil and gas deals were produced during that same visit [5].
The pivot toward the east is driven largely by Western sanctions on Russia, which have restricted its ability to sell energy to traditional European markets [3]. Simultaneously, disruptions to Gulf shipping have made the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz a critical risk for global energy transit [1].
By shifting the flow of hydrocarbons to the east, Russia reduces its dependence on maritime security provided by Western-aligned powers. China, meanwhile, secures long-term energy contracts at potentially discounted rates as Russia seeks to maintain its export volumes [1, 3].
“Russia and China are deepening energy ties through increased oil and gas purchases”
The transition from maritime to land-based energy transit represents a significant geopolitical realignment. By bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, Russia and China are insulating their economic relationship from U.S. naval influence and Middle Eastern instability. This creates a semi-closed energy loop that weakens the efficacy of Western sanctions, and shifts the center of gravity for global energy security away from the Persian Gulf toward Central Asia.
