The Rise of China & its Geopolitical Challenges: The Case of Energy Supply Security from the Middle East and the Caspian Region

Date: Monday 25 September 2006
Time: 15:30 - 17:00 hours
Energy programme Asia (EPA) Lecture Series:

By prof. Yang Guang, Director-General of the Institute of West-Asia and African Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China

Venue: Oudemanhuispoort, room D 009. Amsterdam

Abstract
During the past quarter century, China has made significant achievements in economic development and poverty alleviation thanks to institutional transformation, new policies and peaceful diplomacy. But it still remains a developing country.

Rapid economic growth and intense energy use has led to a sharp rise in oil demand. As a result, the gap between domestic oil production and consumption has widened while the dependence on imported oil has increased rapidly.

Central and West Asia constitute important areas in China's energy supply diversification strategy due to their great production potential and geographic proximity. China's dependence on these two regions has been increasing.

In order to ensure energy security, China has adopted a wide range of approaches. In these two regions, they are characterized by building conflict prevention mechanisms and developing energy cooperation on the basis of win-win solutions.

Energy security is not everything; other issues are of equal importance. Countries in Central and West Asia may play important roles in promoting the security of Chinese border areas and foreign trade, and therefore contribute to the rise of China.

For information please contact:

Dr. Mehdi P. Amineh
International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
T +31-(0)20-2524567
m.p.amineh@uva.nl
www.iias.nl/epa