China eyes Canada’s oil sands

China’s burgeoning energy needs have led the developing country to the western shores of resource-rich Canada, where abundant supplies of oil, natural gas and valuable minerals lay undisturbed deep beneath the frozen soil.

China’s evolving energy strategy, however, focuses primarily upon a relatively unknown hydrocarbon resource — Canada’s vast, untapped oil sands deposits, found primarily in northern Alberta. Of the country’s approximate 179 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 95 percent are oil sands deposits. “Canada’s oil sands reserves are so huge; we should never ignore it as it offers an effective supply alternative,” noted one official from China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC).

..China will continue to pursue the development of bilateral energy alliances in the western hemisphere, using its newfound investment and trade prowess to secure the resources necessary to drive its developing economy. With this in mind, Canada must remain cognizant of the risks associated with an inclusive energy policy that permits unlimited access to energy markets with national security significance. Therefore, a careful balance between Canada’s growing bilateral relationship with China and its historical interdependent relationship with the U.S. should be pursued.

Monsters and Critics