China and Japan’s Energy Security Approaches in the Central Asia

Japan and China’s expanding global outreach is not entirely the result of their growing reliance on imported oil and their efforts to secure supplies globally. Rather, it is consistent with both countries’ overall economic growth and enhanced political standing. The build-up of closer ties with the developing world, and China and Japan’s growing presence should be seen in the context of Beijing and Tokyo’s expanding economic interests world-wide and growing international political influence, not simply as a symptom of their pursuit for energy. In short, energy has influenced Chinese and Japanese international behaviour but not transformed their foreign policy. This article presents the argument that while energy is an important factor in Japanese and Chinese foreign policy, the impact of their energy needs on their international behaviour is only one dimension, and must be analysed in the context of their multiple and competing policy priorities. A better understanding of the impact of energy on Chinese and Japanese foreign policy requires a more comprehensive approach with an in-depth examination of their interactions over energy related matters with other countries. This article is an effort in addressing the role of energy in the wider context of Japanese and Chinese foreign policy in the Central Asia region from a comparative perspective.