Page 558 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Chinese Energy Security Imperatives

3. China is making rapid growth in infrastructure and technology. To meet
this rapid growth, a burgeoning oil requirement is axiomatic. China is

heavily dependent on imports to meet this challenge. The main sources

of oil imports are from the Gulf Countries and Africa, which accounts
for 70% of its consumption. In an attempt to build in redundancy against

operational hurdles, China has negotiated long-term contracts with Iran
for development of its oil fields and with Sudan for projects involving

laying pipelines and building refineries and ports.

4. Sea lines of communication will continue to be the predominant mode

for oil transportation in the foreseeable future. Alternative modes of

transportation have not been found feasible, given the degree of political
instability, poor infrastructure, logistical challenges and corruption in

Central Asia. The Chinese strategy is evidently focusing on protecting
all those sea lines that impact its oil imports. In an attempt to give shape

to this strategy, China raised and built several commercial and military

facilities along these sealines, which are now referred to as String of
Pearls. The sheer disposition of these Pearls encircle India and can be

perceived as an added dimension to Chinese intents to thwart India’s
growing influence in the Asian subcontinent and the global arena.

5. In the context of geopolitics, String of Pearls encompasses the Strait of
Malacca, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Strait of Hormuz and

Somalia.

6. The Strait of Malacca:

It connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, with Malaysia

and Singapore on one side and Indonesia on the other side.

80% of China’s fuel supply from the Middle East is shipped
through the Strait of Malacca. Hence the need to retain a foothold

on this important sealine.