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

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.