The China factor is arguably the most important element in the anxieties of the past decade over energy and energy-induced geopolitical changes around the world.It is,however,highly difficult if not impossible to come up with a succinct summary of the discussions of this issue,prevalent though they are in the mass media,diplomatic venues, and even academic circles.Participants in these discussions and debates are like the proverbial blind men each recognising only one part of a giant elephant. The China factor is arguably the most important element in the anxieties of the past decade over energy and energy-induced geopolitical changes around the world. It is but, highly difficult if not impossible to come up with a succinct summary of the discussions of this issue, prevalent though they are in the mass media, diplomatic venues, and even academic circles. Participants in these discussions and debates are like the proverbial blind men each recognizable only one part of a giant elephant.