Chinese Energy Demand and Canada
With China’s rise from backwards developing economy to the new workshop of the world, the Chinese economy’s demand for energy has risen to the point where many are concerned that Chinese energy demand may have serious consequences on the international stage. Increasing international activity by China to secure oil reserves and their transport to China presents both opportunities and challenges to the world at large; opportunities in that it offers a chance to further integrate China into a globalized market; challenges in that energy is a sensitive security issue, and China’s energy sector is still highly influenced by domestic politics.
China’s energy requirements can be utilized by a country such as Canada to leverage economic and diplomatic influence with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). As a strong player in nuclear technology, uranium mining, and petroleum products Canada is well positioned to play an increasingly large role in East Asian relations. By further diversifying petroleum exports, offering to supply Beijing with much-needed uranium, and improving promotion of CANDU reactors in China the Canadian government could significantly strengthen its position in regards to the Canada-China relationship.