| A standard perception of China's rise within the international system is that of a peer competitor to the United States, which is undertaking an unstable transition to power. China's escalating energy demands and heavy reliance on Middle East energy supplies is likely to increase tensions with Washington as their respective regional strategic interests continue to collide. The following thesis challenges the pessimistic view of these trends with evidence from China's foreign relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as the domestic energy interests of the state and its national oil companies. The thesis also explores the impact of shipping lanes on China's power, future influence and strategic interests. |
