China in the South China Sea

                With the plans set for their first deep-water natural-gas project in place, China is one step closer to not only reducing their reliance on foreign energy, but also lessening their usage of heavily-polluting coal. Having an oil reserve this close to home, especially in close proximity to the powerhouse shipping infrastructure of Southern China, comes to a relief to the PRC, seeing how tensions continue to rise throughout the South China Sea. Being that the drill points are in undisputed territory, China does not have to worry about starting yet another dispute over maritime sovereignty rights.

The addition of an offshore drill site, coupled with the new gas and oil pipelines running through Burma, will help China to lessen the amount of large tankers it has to send through the highly dangerous and congested Strait of Malacca. This was not only economically smart, but also militaristically sound; giving China a strategic advantage in national defense. Over 80% of China’s gas imports must pass through the strait, which if blockaded could starve China of its ability to defend itself. While the majority of its fuel currently must still pass through the strait, relieving even the tiniest of pressures can have a huge impact, especially when it comes to powering the World’s factory.

 

References:

China media: Burma gas pipeline. (2013, October 21). BBC News. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24605706

Hall, S. (2013, November 14). China Prepares to Open Its First Deep-Water Gas Project. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100