A Study of China’s Oil Diplomacy(1978~2010):The Viewpoints of Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism

• Main Authors: Ai-Ju Yang, 楊璦如
• Other Authors: Jin-Shine Chou
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/47438094858607164353

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 國家發展研究所 === 99 === Since 1978, China''s policy of opening up to the outside world has resulted in rapid economic growth and increasing demand for oil. In order to ensure nation’s survival and continuing development, China institutionalized oil diplomacy to secure stakes in oil and gas fields abroad. This paper conducts a qualitative study of China’s oil diplomacy using both historical and document analysis approaches. The consistency of this stratagem is further dissected through Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism studies. The goal is to outline the future prospects of China’s oil diplomacy based on theories and facts. China''s oil policy faces many challenges in the world: The conflict of interest and competition for oil with other countries, the security threat involved with oil logistics, and the “China energy threat” view shared by many overseas analysts. To solve these issues, China has strengthened the "going out" strategy, led by the state to open up more oil import options. China has also increased naval forces capabilities to ensure the safety of oil transportation. These changes exhibit the characteristics of the Neo-realism theory. In addition, China has actively participated in numerous international energy and petroleum organizations, these diplomatic ties are in line with Neo-liberalism’s emphasis on the spirit of interdependence. This study found that China’s oil diplomacy is very versatile. Looking ahead, China''s continuing efforts to be a “responsible world power” will show more cooperation and interdependence with the rest of the world. However, the inevitable conflict of interest and competition for oil will still be a major challenge for the Chinese leader.