Sino–Russian Arctic Gas Cooperation Amid New Geopolitical Realities: Impacts and Perceptions

This chapter examines how changing geopolitical realities, in particular recent Western sanctions, have influenced Sino–Russian cooperation on Arctic gas extraction and related national perceptions. To compensate for its lost markets in Europe, Russia has renewed its ‘turn to the east’ strategy to gain a greater share for its products in the gas market of China, one of the world’s largest gas importers. Adopting the framing method, we analyse and compare these countries’ national frames, focusing on diagnostic and prognostic elements, to understand the extent to which Chinese and Russian interests in the Arctic gas cooperation coincide. The basis for further cooperation has shifted in the context of the sanctions: Russia’s involvement has assumed new urgency, while China’s engagement entails more caution due to the increased risk of secondary sanctions. Russia has clearly become more dependent on gas cooperation with China than vice versa, even though Moscow is keen to maintain the perception of an equal partnership, at least among domestic observers. Securing a deal on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline has gained particular urgency for Russia. Overall, the Russian gas projects that involve Chinese cooperation have been influenced by Western sanctions to varying degrees.