This paper argues that China’s foreign policy behavior has been influenced by growing
energy dependence. As a major importer, China can pursue energy security through
strategies that result in conflict; alternatively, energy vulnerability might lead it toward
cooperation with rival oil consuming nations through participation in multilateral
organizations and other forums. After outlining the argument for the strategic nature of
energy, China’s increasing energy dependence is assessed, as are Beijing’s efforts to shift
China’s energy balance. China’s energy diplomacy with the Middle East, Russia and
Central Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America are examined, and Beijing’s
efforts toward greater energy security through multilateral organizations are discussed.
The evidence supports the liberal hypothesis that economic interdependence promotes
international cooperation. Energy demands have accelerated China’s rise to global
prominence, and appear to moderate conflictual aspects of Chinese foreign policy.