BLUF
China’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve has grown into a major energy security asset that could provide geo-economic influence, allowing the country to exercise leverage on other nations, protect national security, influence alliances and punish adversaries.Learning Outcomes
- Describe the development and purpose of China’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and explain its role in enhancing national energy security and resilience against supply disruptions.
- Analyse the potential geo-economic significance of China’s SPR, including how it could be used to influence strategic relationships, and global supply chains.
- Evaluate future scenarios for SPR utilisation, considering factors such as targeted domestic relief, and the impact of China’s energy transition on its ability to leverage oil reserves for diplomatic and economic objectives.
