I used the large oil and gold deposits on the Sino Soviet border that Clancy used in "The Bear and the Dragon". Oil found ~1974. Initial production in 1980. Pipeline built to the pacific to supply a growing needs of South Korea, the Philippines and Japan. Perhaps allowing the Soviets more consumer goods if relations solidify.
Also adds potential reasons for the initial skirmishes between USSR and China in 1995. IE. Additional fields discovered, desire for direct pipeline path to Vladivostok, etc.
Increased work on Siberian infrastructure leads to the Gold finds in 1979. This leads to more hard currency to jump start high tech industries.
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