China's energy geopolitics : the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Central Asia / Thrassy N. Marketos.

"Transferred to Digital Printing 2010."--T.p. verso of paperback edition

Includes bibliographical references (pages [143]-150) and index.

Introduction -- Chinese strategic interests in Eurasia -- Shanghai Cooperation Organization: security role in Eurasia -- Clashes and coexistence among th three major powers in Eurasia -- Is a strategic meeting of minds among Washington, Beijing and Moscow for the sake of Eurasia's stability realistic? -- The nexus between energy, security and maritime power and SCO's role in China's energy security -- Conclusions

China{u2019}s need for energy has become a driving factor in contemporary world politics and a precondition for sustaining China{u2019}s continuing high economic growth. Accordingly, Chinese energy policy has been a political and strategic rather than market-driven policy. This book focuses on the need of a stable and secure investment environment which is necessary for the energy provision of China from the Central Asian states. The author argues that the institutionalization of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.), the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between Russia and China and Chinese bilateral agreements with individual Central Asian states present an avenue and a framework of stability in which pipeline construction can commence. With the backing of the US in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Chinese involvement in the region has now been expanding. However, in order to stabilize the region for Chinese investment in energy resources, the author states that the US needs to be present in the region and that a strategic framework of cooperation between Russia, China and the US has to be developed.