Energy security of China in the 21st century

Energy securitybecomes an essential part of the states economic security. The growth of energy demand affects the economic and ecological situationin China since these areas are inevitably connected. Rapid growth in Chinas economy translates into substantial growth in energy demand.For the Peoples Republic of China, which places economic growth as the top priority of national policy, it is important to promoteprogress. Growth of energy consumption causes problems not only in China but also all over the world. These problems becomevery significant within the fact that energy sector itself is an increasingly politicised area. There are four components of the strategy ofChinas energy security: diplomatic works combine with efforts to negotiate forward basing rights aimed at lending legitimacy to a morelarge-scale Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean; strengthening economic ties with neighbour-countries and importing countries toensure the steady energy supply; development of alternative fuels and energy savings in order to reduce dependence on oil and gas import;encouraging Chinese companies to participate and invest in overseas oil and gas projects, establishment of strategic oil reserves. Tomeet the increasing energy needs China must ensure stable and safe energy supplies from various regions. Therefore, now it is importantto diversify and secure oil imports, get an access to basic resources and enhance the security of oil transportation from the Middle East.Concern for energy security made China pay attention to the strategic lines of communication (SLOCs). Free access from the coast ofChina into the Indian Ocean has a peculiar significance. It is obvious China fears the presence of the USA, which can control Chineseeconomy dependant on sea lines in the moments of crisis. SLOCs connecting China with Africa and Middle East pass through the Straitof Malacca. Ninety five percent of the oil used in China is transported by sea, and 80 percent of that is shipped through the strait, that is15 million barrels of oil per day. The Strait of Malacca illustrates that China will depend heavily on international sea-lines to import oilfrom Africa and Middle East. That becomes a potential threat to energy security in accordance with the position of the USA. Consideringvulnerability of SLOCs China developed a long-term strategy aimed to ensure the energy security and security of SLOCs. It is: tominimize the concerns of South and South-East Asia nations who worry of Chinas claims; undermine the claims of the USA to controlthe Asian sea space; suppress nationalism in China to maintain political and social stability. All these measures are parts of the so-calledsoft power. China is extremely good at using strategy, which Russia fails to acquire. Slowly and steadily, without confrontations, usingmainly diplomacy and finance, it achieves the goals.

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