ABSTRACT
The magnificent rise of China has been associated with a corresponding rise in its energy needs, especially hydrocarbon resources. Although the country is largely dependent on coal and has sufficient reserves, the ever-increasing concern for climate change has caused China to rely more and more on hydrocarbon resources and gradually shift to cleaner sources of fuel. However, since 1993, China has become a net importer of hydrocarbon resources. Consequently, it has become dependent on overseas energy supplies and is vulnerable to the volatilities of the international energy market. Nevertheless, China is going to account for the largest share in the global energy demand rise by 2035. The steady growth in energy elasticity in China has caused a phenomenal change in the existing international energy regime. Alongside, the suppliers have also found in China a better alternative insofar as the latter’s obsession with energy is concerned. In a corresponding way, this has impacted China’s foreign policy behaviour as well. Since 1993, the Chinese state has embarked on a ‘going out’ strategy with the state energy companies at the forefront. Consequently, China has started strategically approaching the energy-rich states across the world. While doing so, China has been accused of being ignorant to the bleak human rights abuses in the so-called notorious energy-rich states. Again, China, in its urge to secure its overseas foreign energy supplies, has been dragged into potential flashpoints of international conflict. This has also put the Chinese foreign policy behaviour under the scanner as China’s involvement has been measured with its claim to a peaceful rise. This chapter deals with China’s strategies to securitise energy supplies and its impact on the Chinese foreign policy establishment.
