China has not approved Russia’s planned new gas pipeline after talks between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin failed to deliver a breakthrough. The leaders only discussed general project parameters.

Vladimir Putin is travelling to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping, where he is expected to promote the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project and broader energy cooperation.

Russia has been pushing for years to build a new pipeline to China to deliver billions of dollars' worth of natural gas to its close ally.