China's Energy Security in the Gulf

Date

2023-12-27

Author

Yoncacı, Alperen

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China became the world's largest net oil importer in 2013; half of this oil comes from the Middle East, and about 30% comes from the Gulf countries. Despite efforts to diversify its energy use, China is expected to import more oil from the Middle East. During the 21st Century, China has intensified its relations with most Middle Eastern countries. Chinese-Middle Eastern ties witnessed an extraordinary acceleration after the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launch in 2015. China's interest in the Middle East has started to include infrastructure and transportation projects, long-term investments, renewable energy, and much more. As it depends so heavily on Middle Eastern energy, it is evident that Chinese energy security in the region will be a crucial element of its foreign policy in the coming years. The research question is: “What is the role of energy security in China-Gulf relations, especially after BRI is proclaimed?” The findings show that Beijing appreciates its energy security complications in the region and tries to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. It is engaged in increasing the number and quality of its energy transit channels. People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is rapidly modernized to protect Chinese vessels and territorial integrity. Beijing is strategically hedging against the US by increasing its partnerships with Middle Eastern states. Although the US hegemony in the area is expected to continue in the near future, through BRI, China will indeed penetrate more into the Middle East and continue to influence the geoeconomics of the region.

Subject Keywords

Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Energy Policy, Energy Security, Energy Transition, Gulf Cooperation Council, Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi, Çin Enerji Politikası, Enerji Güvenliği, Enerji Geçişi, Körfez Arap Ülkeleri İşbirliği Konseyi

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/107647

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Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis