100 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas to China: Russia Launches New Far East Pipeline

The strategic energy partnership between Russia and China is reaching a new level. During the bilateral intergovernmental commission meeting at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2026) in Vladivostok, it was officially announced that the cross-border section of the new Far East gas pipeline has been fully completed. By launching new networks to supply Russian gas to Asia's largest economy, export volumes are expected to reach record levels.

Far East route: Full capacity and new volumes by 2027

The new gas pipeline project plays a crucial role in the energy balance of both countries:

• Construction completed: Complex construction work on the cross-border section of the pipeline has been fully finished;

• Launch date: The main goal is to establish full-scale natural gas supplies by 2027;

• Additional 12 billion cubic meters: Through this new route, an additional 10 to 12 billion cubic meters of 'blue fuel' will be exported to China annually.

From 'Power of Siberia' to 'Siberian Might': Analysis of major gas arteries

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, outlining the prospects for cooperation at the commission meeting, stated that dialogue on new routes is ongoing:

“We are actively preparing for the launch of the Far East route and are continuing discussions on other promising directions for supplying Russian gas to China, including the 'Baikal Power' project”, said Alexander Novak.

Increased activity is also being observed in other major energy projects between the two countries:

• 'Power of Siberia 1' (current route): Supply volumes through this network are being consistently increased from 38 billion to 44 billion cubic meters per year;

• 'Siberian Might' (formerly 'Power of Siberia 2'): The parties have accelerated the signing of final commercial contracts for the massive project, which has the capacity to transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually through Mongolia. A legally binding memorandum for this route was signed in 2025.

2026 results and the historic 100 billion cubic meter milestone

Russia's eastern gas policy is reshaping the global market map:

• 2026 figure: By the end of the year, the total volume of gas that Russia will supply to China via the existing 'Power of Siberia 1' pipeline and the Kazakhstan transit system will be approximately 50 billion cubic meters ;

• Future potential: Once all new eastern routes ('Far East' and 'Siberian Might') are fully operational, Russia's annual gas exports to China are expected to reach a total of up to 100 billion cubic meters .

For Moscow, which has fully pivoted to the Asian market following losses in the European market, these infrastructures will serve as the main pillar of long-term economic security.

Do you think Russia's full shift of gas flows to the Chinese market will increase economic dependence on Beijing in the long term, or is this an equal geopolitical alliance? How will these projects affect the transit potential and gas policy of Central Asia countries? Leave your thoughts in the comments!