China's energy aspirations and its military modernisation efforts : how China plans to rival the United States as a super power : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Masters degree in Arts (Defence Studies) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2008
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Massey University
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Abstract
This Thesis [sic] examines China's increasing demand for energy and illustrates how
China will become increasingly reliant on oil imports to meet its energy needs. This
reliance on oil imports has forced China, in the short term to adopt an energy security
strategy that seeks to protect its access to oil by adopting a "non-threatening" military
posture complemented by use of its economic bargaining power. At the same time,
China has adopted a long range strategy, that runs side-by-side with the short-term
strategy, of "bide our time and build up our capabilities." This long-term strategy
consists of a "String of Pearls" approach to gain the necessary forward bases to
secure its energy lifeline and the development of asymmetric military capabilities.
The ultimate goal of this long-term strategy is to develop sufficient military and
economic strength necessary to protect its access to key markets and resources.
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Keywords
Energy policy, China, Military policy, China