ABSTRACT
This chapter explores relationship of China and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The period 1960–1966 was one in which China supported OPEC from the perspective of proletarian ideology. From 1971 on, OPEC as an independent organization was reported frequently in the People’s Daily, portrayed as a key representative against the superpowers, especially after the oil shock of 1973. The Soviet Union’s oil activities were unrestrainedly attacked by the People’s Daily after the breaking of Sino-Soviet relations. When Arabian oil-exporting countries placed an oil embargo on the USA and Britain, the Soviet Union seized the opportunity to export oil to Western European countries. The frequent appearance of the term ‘OPEC’ in the People’s Daily symbolized the normalization of relations between China and OPEC. China contacted OPEC directly and promoted common development. China imported oil not only from OPEC-member countries but also from non-OPEC oil-producing countries, especially Russia and Central Asian countries.
