This research covers the topic of energy security in China in the period of 1993 to 2013. The first chapter starts from a general understanding of the “energy security” notion and different approaches on its preservation. Then, it follows to the evolution of the term in China proceeding to the part describing the common situation with the most energy consuming states in the Asia-Pacific Region. The second chapter analyzes different approaches on handling energy security dilemma in China within its domestic policy. The scrutiny is made to follow the path from a widely applied over the history of China - extensive approach, continuing with a less popular but still valuable - intensive approach, and finishing with the most promising – innovative approach. Ultimately the third chapter goes beyond the internal boundaries and shows possible solutions to the risen problem on the global scale. It refers to enlargement of Beijing’s foreign energy partnership and unraveling the tangle of the Malacca Strait by an extra pipeline system crossing Myanmar, canal projects traversing some South-East Asia states, expanded energy resources production in the South China Sea and partial redirection of Chinese petroleum and LNG carriers northwards.
Table of Contents
1. Energy security in the APR countries: history, theory, exercise
1.1 Evolution of the “energy security” notion
1.2 The history of the PRC. From energy policy to energy security.
1.3 Energy security and its practical threats. The case of the Asia-Pacific Region
2. Various ways to ensure energy security within the framework of Chinese domestic policy
2.1 Extensive approach. History and perspectives
2.2 Intensive approach. The leading course or a transitional stage
2.3 Energy security and its practical threats. The case of the Asia-Pacific Region
3. Chinese foreign policy for the good of energy security
3.1 International cooperation as the means of sustainable energy security in China
3.2 Energy value of the Malacca Strait and South China Sea. Perspectives and threats
3.3 The Northern Sea Route. An alternative solution to the dilemma of a safe sea energy stream
Objectives & Research Focus
The research examines the evolution and current state of China's energy security strategy, focusing on how the country manages the tension between its rapid economic development and the sufficiency of its energy resources. The core research question addresses how China balances domestic and foreign policies to maintain stable energy supplies while addressing geopolitical risks and environmental constraints in the 21st century.
- The evolution of "energy security" concepts in the context of the People’s Republic of China.
- Strategic analysis of China’s domestic energy policy, covering extensive, intensive, and innovative approaches.
- Geopolitical risks associated with China’s reliance on critical energy import routes, specifically the Strait of Malacca.
- The role of international cooperation and infrastructure development in securing sustainable energy streams.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Evolution of the “energy security” notion
For the first time the notion “energy security” (ES) showed up in people’s mind about 40 years ago. Another Arab-Israeli conflict during the brief period of 1973-1974 led to an oil embargo of some high standard wages states, those who supported the Israeli side. That was the first time when the West realized its weakness and dependence on the imported oil, which brought large economic damage to the embargoed states.
It was a starting point for the development of the “Energy security” notion. We must say right away that up until now there is no universally accepted concept, which means that there is a variety of definitions being usually developed to accommodate the energy situation in a particular country. So, in this case we will break down this concept to different words and support the whole notion with different opinions from all over the world.
Let´s start with the word “security”. Security – is a state of protection from any sort of threats, risks, challenges and danger or in other words a state of an object when none of that could bring any considerable harm to this object. The word “energy” means everything that is in any manner connected to energy flow or energy resources.
From the first usage of the ES notion its definition process went in parallel with all the significant political, economic and energy events. In 1992 the World Energy Council tried to identify ES in the following way: “a state of protection of individuals, society, economy and country from the threats of safe fuel and power supply.
Summary of Chapters
1. Energy security in the APR countries: history, theory, exercise: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundations of energy security, exploring the historical evolution of the concept and its application within the Asia-Pacific context.
1.1 Evolution of the “energy security” notion: Analyzes the origin of the term following the 1970s oil crises and highlights the lack of a universally accepted definition.
1.2 The history of the PRC. From energy policy to energy security.: Traces the transition of China’s energy governance from simple self-sufficiency to a comprehensive energy security strategy.
1.3 Energy security and its practical threats. The case of the Asia-Pacific Region: Discusses the broader energy challenges in the APR, emphasizing population growth and surging energy intensity.
2. Various ways to ensure energy security within the framework of Chinese domestic policy: Details the domestic strategies employed by Beijing, categorizing them into extensive, intensive, and innovative approaches.
2.1 Extensive approach. History and perspectives: Evaluates the reliance on expanding primary production and infrastructure, particularly in coal and petroleum.
2.2 Intensive approach. The leading course or a transitional stage: Explores the focus on energy efficiency and technological upgrades in production and consumption.
2.3 Energy security and its practical threats. The case of the Asia-Pacific Region: Examines specific infrastructure challenges within the Chinese domestic market.
3. Chinese foreign policy for the good of energy security: Analyzes how China manages its external dependencies through diplomatic and strategic partnerships.
3.1 International cooperation as the means of sustainable energy security in China: Discusses the necessity of multilateral collaboration to ensure unimpeded energy flows.
3.2 Energy value of the Malacca Strait and South China Sea. Perspectives and threats: Highlights the critical vulnerability of maritime energy supply routes.
3.3 The Northern Sea Route. An alternative solution to the dilemma of a safe sea energy stream: Investigates the potential of Arctic routes as a diversification strategy to bypass traditional bottlenecks.
Keywords
Energy Security, China, PRC, Energy Policy, Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Asia-Pacific Region, Malacca Strait, Energy Diversification, Energy Efficiency, Geopolitics, Resource Nationalism, Sustainable Development, Infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The work primarily focuses on how China has evolved its energy strategies to ensure national energy security in the face of rapid economic growth and increasing resource dependency between 1993 and 2013.
What are the primary themes discussed in the book?
The central themes include domestic energy management, the transition from extensive to intensive and innovative energy approaches, and the geopolitical complexities of China’s foreign energy policy.
What is the core energy security dilemma for China?
China's dilemma arises from the fact that it is a massive energy consumer with dwindling domestic resources, forcing it to rely on vulnerable imported supplies via maritime routes like the Strait of Malacca.
What methodologies does the author use?
The author uses a historical and analytical approach, classifying energy policies into three distinct frameworks: extensive (expansion), intensive (efficiency), and innovative (technology/diversification).
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body systematically analyzes Chinese domestic policy—specifically the management of coal, oil, and gas—and foreign policy, including partnerships with Russia, Central Asia, and maritime security concerns.
Which keywords best characterize this analysis?
Keywords include Energy Security, China, Coal Liquefaction, Geopolitics, Energy Diversification, and the Malacca Strait.
How does the author characterize China's approach to coal?
The author views coal as the backbone of China's energy balance but notes that China is aggressively seeking unconventional, innovative methods (like coal liquefaction) to use it more efficiently and cleanly.
What is the significance of the "Northern Sea Route" mentioned in the text?
The Northern Sea Route is discussed as a potential strategic alternative to the heavily contested and congested southern maritime routes, offering a shorter path for trade with Europe.
- Quote paper
- Evgenii Krasantcov (Author), 2014, China and its Energy Security Dilemma in the Contemporary Era (1993-2013), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/275170
