Asia and Energy Security (No. 13)

Abstract

Developmental issues is Asia have had remarkable consequences in different spheres. The most important ones are the increasing role and weight of this region in the global economy. This role is increasing with China and India’s drive to become more developed nations. Energy as one of the most important sectors of the global economy shows well this trend. The rapid economic growth of these two countries has increased greatly their energy needs, and has transformed them into the major energy consumers. These two countries along with other Asian countries account for an important part of energy demand in the world. Along these lines, and with a look at the report published by the International Energy Agency, the impact made by these two countries on the energy world market could be better understood. According to this report China and India are founders of a new order in the global energy system through their impact on energy production and consumption resulting from their fast economic growth and development. During the last decade, China and India have accounted for 70% of increase in energy consumption. They will also account for 45% of world energy consumption and China will replace the U.S. as the greatest energy consumer by 2010.

Therefore, it can be said that Asia increasingly influences energy geopolitics. Given these considerations, the present compilation addresses the issue of energy security in Asia. First, China’s energy security is discussed as the most important issue. An article, titled “China: Energy Security and Foreign Policy” addresses the issue. In the present situation, China’s energy security considered one of the strategic priorities of its foreign policy and influences its behavior in the international scene. India is another Asian country whose increasing energy consumption growth has made energy security an important issue for it. For that reason, the second article discusses India’s energy security. This article studies the current situation of India’s energy supply and demand, makes some speculation about the future, and examines their implications for its foreign policy.

Transfer security is one of the essential elements of energy security. The issue is more important and sensitive for China due to various reasons. The role of Chinese Navy is very important in this respect. For that reason, major efforts have been made by China to develop and equip its naval forces to make the prepared to deal with the requirements of this role. Therefore, the third article studies the role of Chinese Navy in providing energy security.

The second part of this compilation studies energy security from a boarder view. In this part, a translated article titled “Providing Energy Security in an Interdependent World” discusses the ways for security energy production, distribution and transfer. The authors criticize the ration of “Energy Independence” and suggest that enhancing energy security should be considered in a situation where interdependency prevails.

The last article is the summary of discussions made by Iranian experts on energy security during a seminar held in the Foreign Policy Research Department.

Content

_ Introduction / Dr Mahmood Vaezi

Part One

_ China: Energy Security and Foreign Policy /Mohsen SHariatinia

_ India and Energy Security / Omolbanin Tohidi

_ The Role of Chinese Navy in Its Energy Security /Dr Hamid Hadian

Part Two

_ Providing Energy Security in an Interdependent World/ Frank Verrastro and Sarah Ladislaw

_ Energy Security (Round table)