China's Oil and Natural Gas

China has already become a major factor in global energy markets: a new industrial giant who depends on ever increasing supplies of energy - especially oil and gas - to maintain its economic momentum and political stability. Howe and Kambara, Japan's leading specialists in the Chinese oil and gas industries, examine the status of China with regards to oil and gas. They give a comprehensive overview of the recent history of the Chinese oil and gas sectors, drawing out the main trends and trajectories of its evolution, and appraising the geological basis for this progress, along with the patterns of exploration and development. They consider the role of natural gas, focusing in particular on the prospects for development of the Tarim Basin and the implications for China's gas supply. The issues of refining and transportation are discussed, and the prospects for longer term supply examined; finally, the policy options currently facing the Chinese authorities are investigated.
With energy becoming an important geopolitical issue, with major energy importers such as China and the US being brought into direct conflict, this book is a significant and valuable resource to anyone with an interest in China, East Asia, global energy issues or international strategic affairs.