China has started receiving natural gas from Myanmar through an 800
km-long pipeline project. The opening of the pipeline on Sunday was
hailed by State media here as a landmark step towards diversifying
China’s energy supply routes.
The gas pipeline, which can transport 12 billion cubic metres annually,
runs from Kyaukpyu to Ruili in southwestern Yunnan province, which
borders Myanmar. China is also building an oil pipeline that will bring
22 million tons annually to Yunnan when completed.
Strategic map
The official Xinhua news agency said the opening of the gas pipeline had
“substantially changed the strategic map of China’s energy supply
channels” by alleviating what officials have described as the “Malacca
dilemma” of being dependant on an energy route through the narrow
straits.
“At present, as many as 80 per cent of China’s oil imports depend on the
supply line going through the Malacca and Singapore straits, while the
maritime route is patrolled by fleets headed by the U.S. navy,” the
Xinhua commentary said.
Six companies, including India’s GAIL and firms from South Korea and Myanmar, were involved in the construction of the pipeline.
Chinese State media hit out at the criticism levelled at the project,
which passes through areas of Myanmar that have seen ethnic unrest.
Concerns about its impact on local communities have also been raised by
several environmental groups, who fear that the benefits of the project
will not be seen on the ground.
Criticism
Xinhua, however, rejected what it described as “Western criticism” of
the project as “totally irresponsible and ill-disposed”. The Communist
Party-run tabloid, The Global Times, went as far as accusing the
West of using non-governmental organisations to derail Chinese projects
in the country, such as the construction of the Myitsone dam, suspended
in 2011 on account of environmental concerns.
“The West has played a role in interfering in these projects through
NGOs,” the newspaper said, adding that “this extra cost is something
China has to bear when investing in Myanmar in the future”.
source: The Hindu
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