With the shift of energy production centres and oil consumption markets the
international energy order has been changing, indicating four trends: the Arctic region
and the international seabed area will become new energy sources; the exploitation of
unconventional energy sources - a new focus; and the rulemaking right in the energy
market - a new battlefield. Contemporary international law promotes, regulates, and
safeguards the transition to a new international energy order, in which China should
make efforts to shift its role from a passive recipient to an active innovator of
international energy rules; from an onlooker to an active participant in international
energy affairs; and from a receiver to a contributor of international energy public goods