Human rights are no deal-breaker when it comes to Chinese oil firms’ investing abroad. For example, China’s National Petroleum Corp. bought a significant stake in Sudan’s Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company after western oil companies sold their shares in response to US sanctions against Sudan. Subsequently China worked to protect Sudan against tougher UN Security Council actions; much like it did for Burma, and Iran. China’s energy portfolio also includes Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria – all countries with a history of human rights abuse and corruption. In an interview for the China Economic Review, ERI’s Katie Redford helps make the case that although ethical considerations may bear no weight on China’s energy investments, it is possible to hold Chinese companies accountable in US courts.
