Electricity cooperation strategy between China and ASEAN countries under ‘The Belt and road’

Abstract

‘The Belt and Road’ is a cooperation strategy between China and the relevant countries. The strategy is involved with 65 countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southern Europe, and Eastern Africa, etc. It is significant to accelerate sustainable economic development, strengthen technical and cultural exchanges. As a key part of infrastructure, electricity plays an important role in paving the way for ‘The Belt and Road’. Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the first station of ‘Maritime Silk Road’ is a key node of China's diplomacy. Therefore, it is required for China to reinforce electricity cooperation with ASEAN countries. This study firstly analyzes resources and demands of electricity sectors in ASEAN countries in the aspects of installed capacity, electricity consumption and electricity planning. Subsequently, electricity cooperation opportunities, complementary advantages and cooperative paths between China and ASEAN countries are further explored based on previous bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation. Then a strategic program is formulated for China-ASEAN electricity cooperation. Finally, the strategic recommendations for China-ASEAN electricity cooperation are proposed from two aspects of national macro-layout and strategic promotion route. It provides references for facilitating overall arrangement of electricity infrastructure in China under ‘The Belt and Road’.