ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the issues lying behind the concept of energy security and the range of measures which may be taken to enhance a nation's security of energy supply. It describes and evaluates the approach currently being taken by China. Thus recent reports on energy security issued by the US government, by the EC and by the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre have emphasised the liberalisation of domestic energy markets, the promotion of investment in new capacity, and the improved flow of information. The underlying philosophy appears to be that China cannot afford to be heavily dependent on international markets for oil and therefore the government must direct the flow of investment into projects which reduce this dependence. China's current approach resembles aspects of Japan's strategy developed in the 1970s, except that it lacks the coherent measures to constrain oil demand and to develop emergency response capacity at an appropriate rate.
