Basis for cooperation

Having realized that energy security is a common problem of the international community, Asian countries set out to cooperate with each other, which will also help to increase their capability in dealing with emergencies. Actually, they have some basis for cooperation in the energy field.

First, Asian countries are very closely connected by land or sea, which makes them an integrated part of a geographic energy strategy.

Second, Asian countries are abundant in various energy resources, and they have the basic conditions for establishing a more efficient energy-providing system. Thus, in the region, energy problems can be resolved in a peaceful way. Relations among regional countries can be strengthened through energy cooperation, which is a chance for both energy exporting and importing countries.

For example, the Middle East region still has a huge potential to increase its energy output, Russia and Central Asia have become new regions of increased energy production capacity, and some other parts of Asia have significant oil and natural gas reserves.

The sustained rapid economic development of some Asian countries will make these countries increase their input in the energy field, which could enhance cooperation in the region.

For instance, cooperation can be carried out in the joint development of oil and gas resources in East Asia and the construction of a pipeline network. Regional countries can also cooperate in developing the energy resources in the South China Sea area. In related areas, such as raising funds for energy development, energy security maintenance, energy technology and energy utilization and conservation, cooperation is also needed and is possible.

In November 2005, Indian Oil Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar came up with an ambitious plan for energy cooperation at the first roundtable meeting between oil-producing countries in Central and North Asia and major Asian oil-consuming countries held in New Delhi. The plan suggests constructing oil and gas pipelines that connect major energy-producing countries, such as Russia and Central Asian countries, and major energy-consuming countries. The initiated natural gas pipeline network would run more than 20,000 km, connecting Russia, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran and the Central Asian countries, and it is expected to need a total investment of $22.5 billion.

Most representatives attending the meeting hold that establishing an Asian energy network will increase job opportunities in the region, advance trade and investment activities and boost the stability of Asia's energy market. At the same time, it will also facilitate the economic integration of Asia.

In addition, the sub-regional economic cooperation organizations among Asian countries can provide a good platform for their energy cooperation. These organizations mainly include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the free trade area of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 10+3 (ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea), the China-ASEAN free trade area, sub-regional economic cooperation in the Tumenjiang River area, sub-regional economic cooperation in the Lancangjiang River-Mekong River area and regional cooperation in South Asia.

At the third foreign ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue held in June 2004, energy security and cooperation were the main topics. The meeting approved the Qingdao Initiative, setting action guidelines for regional energy cooperation in Asia. That shows that Asian countries have begun to resort to regional cooperation mechanisms with mutual benefit to secure their energy security and guarantee diverse energy supplies.

U.S. President George W. Bush recently announced that the United States has joined a new Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development, energy, security and climate change with Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea. The partnership is aimed at boosting the research and development of clean and highly efficient energy technologies, improving energy efficiency and encouraging the use of nuclear, biological, hydro, wind and solar energy for civilian purposes, in order to meet their targets for the reduction of pollution emissions.