Abstract (eng)
This thesis analyzes similarities and differences in oil&gas supply security policy in China and Japan. Oil and gas are considered as strategic commodities since they are essential for core functions of any economy and country’s national defense. Therefore, this paper in particular focuses on oil&gas and presents a comparative analysis of two different approaches in oil&gas supply security policy-making in China and Japan. First we analyze theoretical and empirical literature on energy security and develop oil&gas supply security policy conceptual framework upon five key strategies that steer formation and implementation of a country’s oil&gas supply security policy: i) domestic production; ii) imports; iii) overseas production; iv) securing strategic petroleum reserves; and iv) expanding domestic refining sector. Consequently, we show specifics of oil&gas supply security policy in China and Japan. Furthermore, we look into similarities and differences in oil&gas supply security policy- making in two countries. Finally we conclude that policy-making to improve China’s oil&gas supply security is based on centralized decision-making, whereas, in Japan it is based on decentralized decision-making. On the example of such an important policy goal as oil&gas supply security, we see how the nature of decision-making (centralized/decentralized) shapes the strategies and end outcomes responsible for achieving the goal of higher oil&gas supply security.