China reiterated Wednesday its long-term dependence on coal for energy, but pledged to step up efforts to burn the fuel more cleanly to reduce its impact on global warming. In its first white paper on energy, the Chinese government also vowed to develop sustainable energy industries, and said its booming demand for fuel would not pose a threat to world energy security.
"China did not, does not and will not pose any threat to the world's energy security," said the non-binding position paper issued by the State Council, China's cabinet.
Amid global concerns that future Chinese demand for resources could lead to supply and price pressures, the nation said it would seek to rely more on domestic energy sources and was stepping up oil and gas exploration, while also developing renewable energies and improving efficiency.
According to the International Energy Agency, China's overall energy demand will grow by 3.2 percent per year between 2005 and 2030. Coal, which currently makes up about 70 percent of the energy needs of Asia's second largest economy, is expected to continue to play a central role. After nearly 30 years of booming economic growth, China has become the world's second largest energy producer, forcing it to seek resources elsewhere, especially crude oil in Africa and Central Asia.