Reflections on energy issues in China

Energy, which has a bearing on both economic and national security, is of importance and a major constraining factor to the economic and social development of China. The article analyses the current world energy status and development trend from the perspectives of resources, production and consumption and in the context of its implications on the environment and economic and social development, and explores opportunities and challenges for China's energy development. With a focus on the strategy of energy development in China, the author proposes a new energy development approach with Chinese characteristics whose main elements are: energy-saving, high-efficiency, diversified development, environment protection, technology guidance and international cooperation. In other words, China is striving to build a reliable energy production, circulation and consumption system that is efficient, technologically advanced, low polluting and ecologically friendly. A long-term development strategy with priority on energy conservation, efficient utilization of primary energy and advanced electricity system is expounded in the paper. The author also describes the prospect of energy technology development and stresses the implementation of energy strategy by further improving energy policy and related mechanisms, strengthening macro-management and the essential role of the market in resource allocation so as to ensure the economic and social development of China through reliable energy supply.