A U.S. official urged China on Tuesday to join the International Energy Agency - a group of major oil consumers that includes the United States and European governments - and aid its efforts to keep petroleum markets stable in times of crisis.
"China's participation in the IEA's collective emergency response system would make the system stronger," Daniel S. Sullivan, an assistant U.S. secretary of state, said in a speech at a business conference.
China is the world's second-largest oil consumer after the United States. Its surging demand for energy to fuel its booming economy has stirred unease abroad about the possible impact on global prices, as well as over China's intentions as state-owned companies pursue access to supplies in Africa, Central Asia and elsewhere.
"China's participation in the IEA's collective emergency response system would make the system stronger," Daniel S. Sullivan, an assistant U.S. secretary of state, said in a speech at a business conference.
China is the world's second-largest oil consumer after the United States. Its surging demand for energy to fuel its booming economy has stirred unease abroad about the possible impact on global prices, as well as over China's intentions as state-owned companies pursue access to supplies in Africa, Central Asia and elsewhere.
