Sources: All information stated in this article is based on reliable information, and is summarized at the end of this article.
Russia diverted the gas pipeline, and Mongolia's dream of taking it all was shattered.
The situation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has changed, and Putin has relentlessly practiced tactics and weapons. The visit of the Chinese leader to France gave Macron a shot in the arm.
Russian gas pipelines were diverted
After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's trade and economic policy began to look eastward. And Russia, as an energy power, energy exports are naturally Russia's first priority.
But because there are not enough pipelines for gas exports to mainland Russia, this also leads to restrictions on the amount of gas exported.
In order to better trade natural gas with China, China, Russia and Mongolia have previously held consultations. It is hoped that Russian energy will be transported from the streets of Mongolia to the territory of China, that is, the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
In fact, for China, Russia and Mongolia, if the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline can be built, then for Russia it is possible to increase the volume of gas exports.
And China can also get cheaper energy. Transit fees can also be collected by the transit of Mongolia.
For all three parties, it is a mutually beneficial and win-win project. Especially for Mongolia, which itself is a country sandwiched between China and Russia, a completely landlocked country.
Since there is no way to develop maritime trade, being able to collect transit fees from it is a big boost for Mongolia's economy.
But as relations between the United States and China and Russia have become more and more antagonistic, Mongolia has become a target for Western countries because of its geographical location.
Previously, Mongolia's leaders visited the United States and signed relevant agreements and plans with the United States.
Because of this, Mongolia has also begun to take advantage of its current situation and try to take advantage of both China, Russia and the West, which has also led to the delay in the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
But for Russia, it is not the way to drag it out, so Russia has recently stated that it will build a new gas pipeline. And this gas pipeline does not pass through Mongolia, but through Kazakhstan.
It is reported that if this pipeline is completed, it will be able to transport about 35 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia to China every year.
Naturally, the country that can charge high transit fees has changed from Mongolia to Kazakhstan.
You must know that Kazakhstan is a country along the Belt and Road.
Russia's decision to transit the gas pipeline through Kazakhstan is a very positive sign for the Kazakhstan economy, but a missed opportunity for Mongolia.
Putin flexes his wrists
In addition to increasing trade with China, Russia is also making frequent moves on the front line.
With the weakening of Western countries' military aid to Ukraine, Russia has a growing advantage on the battlefield. And in the face of such a situation, NATO began to move, especially France, which has previously said that it is very likely to send troops to Ukraine.
In the face of threats and provocations from Western countries, the Russian side has also shown no weakness. Not only did it issue a statement in response to the threats of Western countries, but it also conducted its first tactical nuclear weapons exercise in recent times. The exercise included airdrops and bombs, the firing of short-range missiles and artillery shells, and so on.
It is obvious that the damage of tactical nuclear weapons is considerable, and if it is really put into the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield, then not only will the casualties increase, but Russia's advantageous situation may expand again.
Of course, this may also irritate NATO and Western countries, leading to another escalation of contradictions between the two sides.
In fact, the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has come to an end, after all, without the support of Western countries, it is difficult for Ukraine to continue to hold out on the battlefield.
Therefore, it is very likely that Russia wants to end the Russian-Ukrainian conflict as soon as possible by showing its means at this time.
However, it has to be admitted that this move is risky and is likely to lead to a strong backlash from Western countries, thereby increasing the spillover effect of the war.
China has given Macron a shot in the arm
Today, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have become the issues of greatest concern to all countries in the current international situation.
This is even more true for France. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to a deterioration in the geopolitical environment in Europe and a surge in energy prices, which has also led to the difficulty of improving the French economy.
Recently, the leader of the mainland visited France, and the relationship between China and France has taken a step forward.
What makes Macron even happier is that during the meeting, China expressed China's support for the Olympic ceasefire.
The 2024 Olympics will be held in France as a peaceful event, and if security becomes an issue, it will not only lead to the event, but also disgrace France.
And this time, with China's support and statement, it also means that China will convey its attitude to Russia. Promoting a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during the Olympics is a very meaningful commitment for France.
It also reflects China's status and importance in the current international situation.
Resources:
Russia has publicly announced a "tactical nuclear exercise" for the first time, what is the difference between tactical nuclear weapons and strategic nuclear weapons? - Red Star News
The Russian army's preparation of tactical nuclear weapons exercises is concerned, and Russian military experts: send a clear signal to Western countries - Global Times
China is ready to work with France to take the Paris Olympics as an opportunity to advocate a global ceasefire and cessation of hostilities during the Games