China’s Role in the Transition to a New International Energy Order

Abstract

With the shift of energy production centres and oil consumption markets the international energy order has been changing, indicating four trends: the Arctic region and the international seabed area will become new energy sources; the exploitation of unconventional energy sources - a new focus; and the rulemaking right in the energy market - a new battlefield. Contemporary international law promotes, regulates, and safeguards the transition to a new international energy order, in which China should make efforts to shift its role from a passive recipient to an active innovator of international energy rules; from an onlooker to an active participant in international energy affairs; and from a receiver to a contributor of international energy public goods.