Beijing maintains expansionist tendencies
China has not lost its interest in oil and gas assets around the South China Sea
China has not been distracted from its assertive agenda in the South China Sea despite its domestic focus on combating Covid-19. It continues to deploy oil and gas vessels and military muscle to bolster its position in the strategically vital region. The major focus of China’s obstructive role in the area is where its claims overlap with both Malaysia and Vietnam, neither particularly friendly towards Beijing. Malaysian national oil company (NOC) Petronas is exploring in blocks ND1 and ND2, which are in waters also claimed by the Vietnamese and within China’s so-called nine-dash line boundary. The Chinese elbowing into the bilateral dispute is described by US-based thinktank the Asia Mari
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
