Closing the Strait of Hormuz is choking China's economy. Its only energy outlet is a historic pact with Putin

Putin’s visit to China advanced the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a potential new route for Russian gas into China.

The move comes as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz cuts China’s oil and LNG imports from the Middle East.

The energy disruption is putting pressure on China’s economy and exposing its dependence on maritime supply routes.

Beijing is looking to Russia for a more strategic land-based energy alternative, with implications for prices and geopolitics in Asia.