Mercer University Hosted Forum on China’s Energy Policies

China is increasing energy use at unprecedented rates, and American consumers are already feeling the pinch at the gas pumps. China’s spectacular economic growth is helping to drive increases in demand — and prices — for world oil supplies. As these forces continue, where will China place itself?

Approximately 40 people discussed the question at a forum held on April 22, 2007, on Mercer University’s Atlanta campus. Entitled “China’s Energy Policy: Implications for International Affairs and Economic Development,” the forum was jointly sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter of the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association and the China Research Center.

The discussion touched on three important areas: the impact of China’s economic development and government development policy on energy use and options; the international relations implications of energy policies and pressures; and domestic opinion and politics of these energy issues.

Panelists for the forum included: John W. Garver, professor at The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology and China Research Center associate; Yawei Liu, director of The China Program at The Carter Center and associate professor at Georgia Perimeter College and Center associate; and Penelope B. Prime, professor of Economics and Business, Mercer University, and Center director.

China is already the second largest economy in the world after the U.S. and the second largest consumer of energy. It is projected that the country’s energy needs will increase 150 percent by 2020.

This process will, of course, put additional pressure on energy supplies and prices around the world. In addition, China’s foreign policy will need to take energy needs increasingly into consideration, especially with rising concerns about the environment and the need to craft policies that will ensure sustainable world development.