A variety of viewpoints is offered in this timely analysis of China's economy and the future shape of Beijing's energy consumption. The authors, all noted authorities in the fields of economics, diplomacy, energy, and defense, consider an unprecedented range of influences and factors to avoid the limitations of looking at the subject myopically or with political bias. They conclude that while energy insecurity could eventually lead to an arms race at sea or even a naval conflict that neither side wants, there is ample room for Sino-American energy dialogue and cooperation in the maritime domain.
Gabriel B. Collins, Andrew S. Erickson, and Lyle J. Goldstein are professors and specialists in China in the Strategic Research Department at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, and founding members of the Navy's China Maritime Studies Institute. Andrew Erickson is online at www.andrewerickson.com. William S. Murray, a retired naval officer who qualified to command nuclear submarines and made Cold War deployments in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is an associate research professor at the Naval War College.
"Comprehensive, diverse and essential for national security professionals… a subject we must understand clearly for our Asia-Pacific Future." —Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
"China's Energy Strategy is a necessary read for anyone interested in the future of the People's Republic of China's energy development and its strategic implications for the U.S., with particular attention to maritime development in both countries. The book tackles the prospects for China's energy development in a remarkably comprehensive, nuanced fashion. It evaluates Chinese perspectives and prospects, analyzes the PRC's capabilities in each relevant global region, and dissects the PLA Navy's capabilities with respect to energy security issues. The authors, including those writing for the final section, which analyzes the implications for U.S. policy, carefully identify inevitable uncertainties and analytical disagreements. On balance, the book stresses the room for U.S.-China energy cooperation in the maritime domain. Importantly, it provides the rich array of data and analysis necessary for readers to develop their own deeply informed perspectives on this issue." —Dr. Kenneth Lieberthal, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan and former Senior Director for Asia on the National Security Council
"This book is a comprehensive assessment of China's overall and maritime energy security strategies; as important, it provides clear and detailed guides to judge the nature of future Chinese naval developments and overall Chinese security strategy." —Admiral Dennis Blair, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
Reviews:
""[the authors] have described the drivers of China's quest for a limited power projection capability—and they did so well before Beijing's December 2008 decision to deploy a series of task groups to the Gulf of Aden in order to protect shipping from an onslaught of pirate attacks. … This volume makes the case that Beijing's desire to ensure steady and secure access to the energy resources required to continue the momentum of China's economic growth will 'compel the PLAN [People's Liberation Army Navy] to be used increasingly in nonconflict situations in a wider variety of regions.' The PLAN's actions today certainly support this argument; Beijing's naval task groups in the Gulf of Aden are operating thousands of miles from China to protect merchant shipping, much of which is transporting oil. … details how important maritime commerce is to China's continued economic development.""–Scott W. Bray (the U.S. Navy's Senior Intelligence Officer for China), ""Turning to the Sea… This Time to Stay,"" Book Review Essay, Asia Policy, No. 9 (January 2010), pp. 167-72.
""…it is a relief to read a mass of carefully considered common sense such as is contained in this fine book. It is refreshing to be reminded that so many of America's military, especially naval, intellectuals can be so clear headed and rational. …Defence planners and warriors who are currently or likely to be involved in the Indo-Pacific regions should study this book very carefully.""–Ships & Shipping, July 2009, p. 38.
""…the book is superb, rich in information and subtle analysis, and should be of interest to all students of geopolitics.""–Arthur Waldron, Pacific Affairs, Vol. 82, No. 2 (Summer 2009), pp. 328-30.
""The editors achieve their task of examining China's energy security and naval modernization and their impact on Sino-American relations. …this book is highly recommended.""–Andrew Forbes, International Journal of Maritime History, December 2008, pp. 478-79.
""…this is an invaluable book for anyone wanting to understand China's economy in general and its maritime strategy in particular.""–David N. Griffiths, Canadian Naval Review, Vol. 4, No. 3 (Fall 2008), pp. 42-43.
