Energy Diplomacy In China And Opec Countries

After the beginning of the 21st century, the dependence on oil import by developed countries is becoming increasingly high with the approaching of the globalization. In the meantime, a large number of developing countries are accelerating their industrialization and modernization, especially countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result their energy demands are constantly growing. Therefore, oil and gas resources are playing an irreplaceable role in the economic and social development of human beings. Therefore, the 21st century is referred to as "the Century of Oil and Gas". According to the forecasts by IEA, the ratio of oil in the primary energy consumption still reaches as high as 36% to 40%, significantly higher than that of coal and other energy resources. In the forthcoming economic development and competition, the amount of needed oil will become an important benchmark of modernization. Only those with oil will make remarkable achievements in development. In light of the significance of oil, many countries give priority to energy diplomacy, putting it high on the national agenda, so as to safeguard national oil security. Since its reforms and opening to the outside, China has made great achievements in oil and gas industries. However, comparing with the rapid growth of demands, its oil and gas supply capacity is becoming increasingly inadequate, and its dependence on imports is becoming higher year by year, that makes China replaces Japan as the world's second largest oil consumer. In order to meet the demands of China's development, China has conducted a series of energy diplomacy, especially with OPEC countries which play a critical role in the international energy pattern. This paper draws concludes that China is faced with the era of energy diplomacy, and China must conduct a series of energy diplomacy, especially with OPEC countries. The paper also puts forward rational policy recommendations targeted at solving existing problems so as to enhance China's national energy security and diplomacy.