Energy demand in China is growing rapidly and is expected to increase further in the next decades. China is pursuing strategic relations with several countries across the globe to meet these growing energy demands. As such, energy security is an important element in China’s foreign policy, both in its near region as well as in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. One key region is Central Asia, particularly the Caspian Sea region. What does China’s policy towards this region look like? Which steps has it taken to establish a secure supply of energy from the Caspian Sea region? Which countries are China’s main competitors in the quest for energy and how does this translate into geopolitics? And what are the ramifications for the domestic economies and politics of the countries involved?
Workshop conducted by Mehdi Amineh (University of Amsterdam)

Background media:

Video: Ariel Cohen – China’s pearl string strategy (CitizEnergy)

Video: Ariel Cohen – Swords follow the yuan (CitizEnergy)