China’s offshore CNOOC started to peak in 2010
The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is the largest producer of offshore oil and gas in China. Production statistics should therefore be pretty much indicative of what is happening along China’s coastline. Data from annual reports show that net oil and gas liquids production in 4 key offshore areas increased rapidly in the first decade of this century but then remained fairly flat after 2010. Gas production peaked in 2011 and was 7% lower in 2014.
At the recent 14th Asia Security Summit in Singapore – organised by the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS, Washington) – media focus was on several artificial islands China is building on half sunken reefs in the South China Sea.
Dredging….
Fig 1: Fiery Cross Reef reclamation started in Aug 2014
http://amti.csis.org/fiery-cross-reef-tracker/
South China Sea dispute: US defence secretary demands Beijing immediately halt island-building
28/5/2015
The United States has demanded Beijing immediately halt its island-building activity near the South China Sea, echoing recent concerns expressed by Australia’s Defence Department boss.
“We want a peaceful resolution of all disputes and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant,” he said.
“We also oppose any further militarisation of disputed features.”
The growing tensions to Australia’s north are also causing alarm in diplomatic and military circles in Canberra.
But little attention was given to the real battle along China’s coast and the statistics behind it.
….and Drilling 3,600 km further North
Pic 2: Installation of platform at Qinhuangdao 32-6 in Bohai Bay (QHD phase 2) June 2014
http://www.cnoocengineering.com/en/single_news_content.aspx?news_id=12590
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
