Mongolia anticipates the continuation of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project linking Russia and China, which aims to divert substantial gas supplies to China. Despite being excluded from the 2024-28 work programme, negotiations are reportedly progressing, as stated by Mongolia’s deputy prime minister, Gantumur Luvsannyam.
Mongolia maintains its expectation for the Power of Siberia 2 project, designed to connect Russia and China through a new gas pipeline, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This substantial pipeline, once completed, is projected to transport 50 billion cubic meters, or 1.8 trillion cubic feet, of Russian natural gas annually to China via Mongolia, replacing previous supplies to Europe.
Although the Mongolian government has excluded the pipeline from its 2024-28 work programme, there have been minimal updates from Russian and Chinese officials regarding its status. In light of these developments, Gantumur Luvsannyam, Mongolia’s first deputy prime minister and minister of economy, affirmed that negotiations are actively progressing, signifying optimism for the project’s future.
Luvsannyam clarified that the absence of the pipeline from the action programme does not reflect a lack of commitment. “The reason why it’s not included in the action programme of the government of Mongolia is because it is an issue that cannot be decided one-sidedly by [the Mongolian cabinet],” he explained in a recent interview. This underscores the complexity of the negotiations involving multiple stakeholders.
In summary, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline represents a vital energy project linking Russia and China via Mongolia, with expectations for its advancement despite geopolitical complexities. Mongolia’s government is proceeding cautiously in negotiations, indicating a commitment to collaborative decision-making. The involvement of both Russian and Chinese cooperation will be pivotal for the project’s realization in the future.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
