China-Russia pipeline project stalls as Beijing holds out for best price

International relationsMoscow is under pressure to export energy, but Beijing can wait for the deal it wantsRussian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping pictured during a meeting in May. No progress on the pipeline was made at that meeting. © ReutersTOMOYO OGAWA and YUKIO TAJIMASeptember 1, 2026 00:50 JSTMOSCOW/BEIJING -- A meeting between the leaders of China and Russia on Monday ended with no signs of progress on a new natural gas pipeline that is a high priority for Moscow.