FT: Putin snubs Europe with Siberian gas deal that bolsters China ties

Moscow and Beijing signed an agreement to supply gas from western Siberia to China, in a deal that could eventually see more of Russia’s gas flowing to its vast eastern neighbour than to its traditional European markets.

Assuming crucial details such as price are agreed, the deal would mark another big step in President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to build a closer energy relationship with China to offset increasing isolation from the west.

Chafing under US and EU sanctions imposed over its support for Russian separatists in Ukraine. Russia has long sought to reduce its dependence on Europe as a customer for its gas and diversify its export markets, as well as boost its strategic ties with China. This latest deal goes some way to meeting those goals.
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