China’s Middle East energy policies

Authors : Engin Koç

Pages : 286-292

Doi:10.24289/ijsser.106431

View : 12 | Download : 0

Publication Date : 2015-03-03

Article Type : Research

Abstract :China overtook the U.S. as the number one oil importer on April 2015 in the world. Up to 1993, China had been oil exporter, but oil and other energy resources have been insufficient by increasing its share in world trade. Also, China has to persist production for sustainable development and keeping its place in world trade. China needs energy resources for sustainable production and stable export policies. Accessing energy resources is the main priority in agenda of Chinese foreign policy. Due to its energy resources and geopolitical location, Middle East has a crucial significance for China’s needs. China considers all sides in a roundtable debates as an instrument and conducts a cautious diplomacy by non intervening domestic affairs of states for easy access to energy resources. For decreasing costs in importing oil and natural gas from Middle East, China arranges armament agreements with oil exporter Middle Eastern states. In this paper, China’s increasing position in region, obstacles for its interest and counter policies will be studied with regards to energy policies in Middle East.
Keywords : China, Middle East, Oil, Energy Resources, Arms Sales