New perspectives to sustain energy supply

China should try to free itself of excessive dependence on the world energy market and set up a self-reliant energy structure for the sustainable development of its growing economy.

The country's dependence on energy imports has been rising in recent years. According to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs, last year, the net crude oil imported by the world's third largest economy was 175 million tons against 189 million tons produced at home. That means for 50 percent of its crude oil demand, China is dependent on foreign markets. This poses a serious challenge to the country's energy security and its sustainable development.

Robert Priddle, former chief of the International Energy Agency, is of the view that China, as a country in transition, is yet to resolve a raft of pressing energy issues, given that its energy structure is changing from one of self-reliance to a growing dependence on imports.