Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

China to focus on Central Asia for future oil needs

The expanding U.S. presence in the Caspian region and Central Asia at the expense of Iran, Russia and China is not to procure oil for the United States but rather is an attempt to control all oil as a means to control or dominate other countries especially China.

The U.S. is not interested in Caspian oil to supply its own internal industry. The U.S. is grabbing for control of the Caspian oil fields because other countries need this oil--and because the U.S. wants to control them. Other imperialist rivals--including Germany and Japan--are "energy poor" and need access to oilfields outside their borders. Most Third World countries are heavily dependent on imported oil.
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With China’s announced focus on Central Asia we will see some interesting moves in the Grand Game as they compete head to head with the United States for oil and natural gas.

-Am

China strengthening oil exploration in middle Asian countries

www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-19 10:10:44

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- To promote the common economic development of China's western regions and their neighbouring countries, China is seeking more opportunities for cooperation with central Asian countries in the field of oil and natural gas, according to China Radio International.

At the Forum on Economic Cooperation between China's Western Regions and neighbouring Countries, experts and entrepreneurs from Central Asia said their countries have abundant oil resources that are among the largest potential producers in the world.

But these countries lack processing know-how. They therefore need skill and capital support from countries like China, which has solid experience in developing, building and managing energy projects of various scales and types.

These experts' opinions are echoed by Yan Xuzhao, director of the Research and Development Department of China National Petroleum Corporation, China's largest oil company.

"We have had great success in managing cooperation projects in such countries as Sudan, Indonesia and Venezuela. Those experiences could be useful for cooperation between China and other countries, especially central Asian countries. Our company will focus on business in central Asia in the future."

He adds that as early as the 1990s, Chinese oil companies were investing internationally. By the end of last year, their overseas business had expanded to more than 20 countries and they have participated in more than 40 investment projects for oil exploration. Thus, in cooperation with central Asian countries, China can bring into full play its advanced exploration skills and ability to conquer harsh environments and difficult geographic conditions.

Though optimistic, Yan Xuzhao emphasizes that sustainable development is an essential prerequisite to cooperation.

"We must strictly obey the laws and regulations in countries we work in, and aim to make energy and environment harmonious. The projects must also bring tangible benefits to the local people."

The director adds that, in addition to sharing advanced exploration skills with central Asian countries, Chinese oil companies will also help to train their personnel so as to realize localization of employment for these countries.

(CRIENGLISH.com)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/19/content_2108784.htm