China's energy security : strategic culture and international relations theories.

54 p.The aim of this dissertation is to examine China's energy behavior in Southeast Asia and its implication for regional countries. As energy security becomes an issue which links to China's economic development, social stability and sustainability of Chinese Communist Regime, Beijing leaders pursue a "going out" strategy to address energy security issues. Though Southeast Asia will not be the major focus of China's global quest for energy supplies, China has energy interests in the region. Southeast Asian oil and gas could be served as a diversified source for China's energy needs. Strategically important is that Southeast Asia holds several vital sea lanes for energy flow which help to reduce China's heavy dependence on the Malacca Strait. Hence, China actively enhanced energy cooperation with Southeast Asia countries through bilateral or multilateral efforts.Master of Science (International Relations