Chinese Energy Security: Current Situation, Challenges and Energy Strategies

Abstract

Energy is considered the lifeline and the primary driver of the Chinese economy and its high growth rates, pushing towards sustainable development in the country. This gives the ruling Communist Party of China more legitimacy. Therefore, Chinese energy security is an extremely sensitive strategic issue, always arousing fear and concern among Chinese decision-makers. Any shortage in energy supplies is considered a major threat to the state. Undoubtedly, a country like China, with its immense population growth, the amount of energy consumed, and the quantity of energy imports from abroad, regardless of their sources and transportation methods, as well as the state of rivalry and competition it experiences with the United States and other major powers, has faced many obstacles and challenges, both internal, regional, and international, in its quest to achieve energy security. In order to overcome these challenges, China has taken a series of measures and initiatives, both domestically and internationally, to ensure abundant and reliable energy supplies that are as far as possible from market fluctuations, threats, and risks.

Keywords: Chinese Energy Security, Challenges, Chinese Energy Strategies