The Asia-Pacific Region and Persian Gulf Energy Security

The Asia-Pacific region is the world’s fastest-growing energy consumer. According to data from 1999 the region imported some 60 percent of its oil from the Middle East. With growing demand for natural gas, it is possible that by 2010 the Middle East will supply 95 percent of the Asia-Pacific region’s energy needs. The Asia-Pacific’s vital need to maintain a secure energy supply from the volatile Middle East/Persian Gulf region has increased the concerns of Western countries that are also dependent on this region’s energy. The competitive attitudes of both Asia-Pacific countries and the West, particularly the US, combined with their particular internal political forces and geo-strategic interests place not only Persian Gulf stability under threat but also global security. The Asia-Pacific wants to have an independent geopolitical role separate from the US regarding Persian Gulf security. Geo-economic factors have assisted in the cultivation of better political relations between the Asia-Pacific and the oil and gas producing states of the Persian Gulf.