Faced with Western sanctions, Russia and Kazakhstan discuss a gas pipeline project to China

Kazakhstan announced Friday, February 24 to discuss with Russia a gas pipeline project to China. The infrastructure would allow Moscow to increase its exports of gas leaded by international sanctions. For its part, the immense country of Central Asia could supply several regions.

After the Western sanctions linked to the invasion of Ukraine, which almost entirely closed the European market to it, Moscow undertook to strengthen its pivot towards Asia, where energy demand is strong. Last year, Russian gas exports collapsed by a quarter, but deliveries via the “Siberian Force” gas pipeline to China reached a historic level. Gazprom also plans to begin construction in 2024 of a new gas pipeline, “Siberian Force 2”, to northwest China.

Moscow is also turning to Uzbekistan

Russia, a former tutelary power, has also consolidated its energy links with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The two economic heavyweights of Central Asia have signed roadmaps with Gazprom, which can use infrastructure dating from the Soviet era.

For the first time, Russian gas is to be delivered to Uzbekistan in March. The latter is facing a serious energy crisis although rich in natural resources.