The Impact of China’s Changing Energy Strategy to its Foreign Policy (1990–2010)

Abstract

The economic program, which was planned after Deng’s coming to power and which began to “bear the fruits” in the beginning of 1990’s, emerged the need for energy import since 1995. Import increased continuously and the import-dependency exceeded the security limit in 2009. In contrast with the other powers in the world, for China, obtaining energy with ease does not only mean an increase in economic development; but sustaining the economic development will also maintain an increase in public welfare, rapid modernization of the army and, most importantly, the continuity of the regime. This situation has already begun to influence China’s foreign policy directly. China perceives establishing relations with the countries having the energy sources as a priority. Most of these are less developed or developing countries in the Middle East and Africa, making it easy for China to establish relations with.

Keywords

China, Energy, Security, Foreign Policy, Power Strategy

Citation

Karaca, R. Kutay, "The Impact of China’s Changing Energy Strategy to its Foreign Policy (1990–2010)", International Relations, Volume 9, Issue 33 (Spring 2012), p. 93-118.

Affiliations

• R. Kutay KARACA, Dr., Command of War Academies, Institute of Strategic Research