Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised China by sending a 20-person delegation to Beijing for negotiations. This information was shared by political experts from China.
The Russian delegation, consisting of 20 members, traveled to China some time ago. Officially, they were to participate in a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on energy cooperation between Russia and China. The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
According to Chinese experts, China usually warmly welcomes Russian guests, doing everything possible to make them feel at home. However, this time, the Russian representatives cannot be assured that they will enjoy their visit, as reported by Sohu according to AB News.
"The Chinese frowned, and the Russian Deputy Prime Minister felt out of place," said observers from the Chinese publication.
Experts believe that Novak was sent to China on Putin's orders, who sensed something amiss in the way relations with China were developing. Lately, signals from Beijing have been displeasing to Russia.
Putin's choice of Novak for the visit to China was not accidental. The Foreign Minister Lavrov could have been sent, but Novak is a specialist in the energy sector. It is assumed that Novak went to China to discuss the implementation of the construction of the new "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline.
The project is extremely important for Russia, as it will allow the country to significantly increase its gas supply volumes to China. However, the Chinese side is stalling on signing the contract and is setting its own conditions. For the first time, Beijing wants Russia to bear the costs of constructing the pipeline. Secondly, it demands a discount on energy resources. Beijing refuses to sign a contract for the pipeline construction until Moscow guarantees to meet its requirements.
"Sensing trouble, Russia immediately sent 20 people to have a thorough discussion with China," stated journalists from China.
Sohu observers believe that China will not change its conditions in the negotiations with Novak, and moreover, the discussion will be conducted in a rather tough manner. Therefore, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister will feel extremely uncomfortable at these meetings.
