"China Pressures Russia for Cheaper Gas in Pipeline Deal"

China is leveraging its position to demand significant discounts on Russian natural gas, undermining Russia's efforts to replace lost European markets following the Ukraine invasion. Former Russian deputy energy minister Vladimir Milov states that Gazprom's profitability is severely compromised, with China only willing to buy a fraction of the planned capacity for the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline and at prices close to Russia's domestic rates. This situation highlights China's dominant role in the bilateral relationship and the challenges Russia faces in finding alternative markets for its gas exports.