Petroleum development in the context of self-reliance: China's changing policy since 1960.

摘要

This study analyzes China's experience of developing its petroleum resources through the policy of self-reliance. The focus of analysis is on the changes taking place in the midst of China's growing economic interaction with the capitalist world economy in the post-Mao period. Thus the primary objective of this study is to trace the evolution of China's petroleum policy since 1976, highlighting the salient political and economic factors accounting for the recent changes. The purpose is not merely to describe the genesis of the recent developments, but to explain why the Chinese decided to move away from past policy, and to offer some evaluation of the new policy. This study also suggests what the future may bring.;Specifically, this study answers the following questions. First, to what extent, if any, has the self-reliance doctrine been a factor in shaping China's petroleum policy in the post-Mao period? Second, does the current policy indicate a fundamental revision of and a move away from self-reliance in both theoretical and operational terms? Third, how will the current policy affect China's incessant quest to become an independent petroleum power? Fourth, has there been and is there likely to be a significant change in the forces and actors determining the process and outcome of the development of the Chinese petroleum industry? Finally, how durable is the current policy? Efforts to address these questions constitute the core of this dissertation inquiry.