China's Strategic Pivot: The Quest for Unrivaled Energy Independence

China's Strategic Pivot: The Quest for Unrivaled Energy Independence

A recent high-profile gathering saw leaders from China, India, and Russia showcasing their growing alliance, an event that undoubtedly captured the attention of Western observers. While the optics presented a united front, beneath the surface a deeper, strategic game is unfolding, centered squarely on the critical issue of energy. For industrial giants like China and India, a reliable and abundant energy supply is a perpetual pursuit, while Russia stands as a powerhouse of fossil fuel reserves. This alignment has naturally paved the way for significant infrastructure projects aimed at securing energy flows for Asia's burgeoning economies. Among the key outcomes of these discussions was the agreement to develop a major gas pipeline between China and Russia. According to reports, Russia’s energy titan Gazprom is set to construct a substantial 2,600km pipeline cutting through Mongolia, designed to channel natural gas directly to China. This ambitious undertaking, however, is not a sta…