Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller announced that the company has initiated the design phase of the future Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will provide an additional route for Russian natural gas exports to China, Vedomosti reported Sept. 3. The pipeline is expected to run through Mongolia into China. Why It Matters: Russia began deliveries of natural gas to China via the first Power of Siberia pipeline in December 2019, and the announcement of progress on Power of Siberia 2 highlights Beijing and Moscow’s continued desire to expand their energy trade. Background: The latest statements on the pipeline design follow last week’s agreement between Gazprom and the government of Mongolia to establish a joint venture that will conduct feasibility studies for a transit pipeline. Read More: