Understanding China’s Energy Security under Xi Jinping: Strategy, Practices, and Implications

Abstract

This thesis provides a novel theoretical framework through which to explore China’s approach to energy security under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. Energy security is vital to China's economic development and people's livelihood and is intertwined with national security and foreign policy. In June 2014, Xi Jinping put forward the “four revolutions and one cooperation” (FROC) energy security strategy, aiming to address multiple energy security challenges and achieve high-quality economic growth. Employing the four ‘As’ framework (Available, Accessible, Affordable, and Acceptable) and insights from the Critical Security Studies and International Political Economy, the research project develops a unique pyramid model of energy security. The thesis argues that energy security is structured in the complex interplay of state and market forces, both domestically and internationally, with balances and trade-offs often made to pursue four facets of energy security objectives. Adopting an intersectoral approach and applying the pyramid model to examine the role of each energy sector positioned in China's energy security strategy, the research finds that while China's state-led, top-down approach delivers apparent achievements, it is not monolithic and all-powerful. The reasons mainly lie in the geopolitical risks, the heterogeneous nature of the energy markets, the diverged interests and the uncoordinated moves among various government and market actors.