Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-12 10:53Core Insights - China's energy cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has deepened significantly in recent years, driven by global energy market volatility and US-China trade tensions, with long-term procurement agreements solidifying energy ties and ensuring energy security [1][6][12] Energy Supply Agreements - In April 2025, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) signed a five-year LNG supply agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to supply 500,000 tons annually starting in 2026 [3] - ADNOC also reached agreements with two other Chinese companies for long-term LNG contracts, effectively reducing market volatility risks for Chinese buyers amid increasing US sanctions on Iranian oil [3][6] - China's imports from GCC countries in 2023 included approximately 201 million tons of crude oil and 18 million tons of LNG, accounting for one-third and one-quarter of its total imports, respectively [5] Strategic Diversification - Iraq, as China's third-largest crude oil supplier, is expected to double its production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2030, enhancing China's crude oil imports from Iraq beyond the current 1.2 million barrels per day [4] - The long-term contracts with GCC countries serve as a strategic hedge against external pressures, reducing reliance on sanctioned nations [6][12] Broader Energy Network - China is expanding its energy strategy beyond GCC countries by collaborating with ASEAN nations to build a more extensive Asian energy network, enhancing traditional and clean energy cooperation [7] - The first trilateral summit in May 2025 among China, GCC, and ASEAN focused on strengthening energy supply chains and investing in new energy sources [7] Clean Energy Collaboration - Cooperation in clean energy is accelerating, with GCC countries aiming to diversify their economies and reduce oil dependency, as seen in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy [8] - China has become a key partner in the energy transition for GCC countries, with significant investments in renewable energy projects [8] Bilateral Trade Growth - In 2024, bilateral trade between China and the UAE surpassed $100 billion, reflecting extensive economic ties beyond energy [10] Geopolitical Considerations - The geopolitical landscape poses challenges, with regional instability and external pressures impacting China's energy strategy, necessitating a balance between economic interests and geopolitical considerations [13]