Morning Brief: September 2

• Europe is still looking for ways to abandon Russian gas. Denmark has proposed to oblige gas importers to provide evidence that the fuel supplied to the EU was not produced in Russia. The prepared document notes that special attention should be paid to the Turkish Stream gas pipeline.

• Bilateral talks between Putin and Xi Jinping took place in Beijing. Following the meeting, Russia and China signed more than 20 documents on bilateral cooperation. The expanded leaders' talks were also attended by the heads of Rosneft, Gazprom, NOVATEK, Roscosmos and Rostec.

• China introduces a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russians. From September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026, a trial visa-free regime will be in effect for holders of ordinary Russian passports. This was stated by the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun.

• Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi demonstrated unity at the SCO summit. This was a powerful signal to Washington and a challenge to US President Donald Trump's foreign policy. The American plan to divide countries through sanctions has not been successful.

• Gazprom signed several key agreements at the SCO summit. The volume of gas supplies within the framework of the «Far Eastern Route» has been increased.  It was agreed with CNPC to expand the supply of the Power of Siberia from 38 to 44 billion cubic meters per year. A memorandum was also signed on the construction of the Power of Siberia–2 and the Soyuz Vostok transit gas pipeline through Mongolia.