China opens offshore acreage to private exploration in energy reform

China is auctioning conventional offshore oil and gas exploration rights to private and foreign companies for first time

COSL rig Strike drilling at the Beibu Gulf in the South China Sea.
COSL rig Strike drilling at the Beibu Gulf in the South China Sea.Photo: HORIZON OIL
Published 13 August 2025, 04:48Updated 13 August 2025, 06:33
MNRChinaAsia & OceaniaEast Asia