China’s $468B Energy Investment Shakes Global Oil Markets
China's state-owned energy giants have deployed $468 billion into oil exploration and production since 2019—a 25% surge over prior six-month periods. PetroChina now leads global E&P investment rankings, while CNOOC's pipeline network stretches 10,000 km with plans to reach 13,000 km following new South China Sea discoveries.
The spending spree disrupts traditional dynamics where China drove 60% of global oil demand growth. Exxon, Shell and other majors face a paradigm shift as Beijing prioritizes domestic supply. Sanctions complications recently prompted CNOOC, Sinopec and PetroChina to halt Russian crude purchases—aligning with US pressure on Moscow's energy revenues.