China is getting closer to European markets due to 'monumental change' wrought by global warming off Siberia's Arctic coast.
The Russian government is to give priority to Siberia and the Far East as it puts modernisation on fast-forward, insists Dmitry Medvedev.
Fears for plan to stimulate Russian economy via major infrastructure links to Asia and Europe as Beijing announces rival scheme.
'Turn to the East', which started a year ago, is gaining popularity
Vice Premier sees scope to make Arctic 'ours forever' with plans to harness resources and help protect fragile environment.
A renaissance of one of Siberia's first outposts as the Far North becomes the new economic frontier.
Pedal power challenge as the Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme ultra-stage bicycle race heads from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Scheme would allow epic journeys from London to the Japanese capital with major international crossing between Sakhalin and Hokkaido.
New cities and industries could be created from construction of high-speed railway and motorway routes spanning whole of country.