Energy security becomes an essential part of the state's economic security. The growth of energy demand affects the economic and ecological situation in China since these areas are inevitably connected. Rapid growth in China's economy translates into substantial growth in energy demand. For the People's Republic of China, which places economic growth as the top priority of national policy, it is important to promote progress. Growth of energy consumption causes problems not only in China but also all over the world. These problems become very significant within the fact that energy sector itself is an increasingly politicised area. There are four components of the strategy of China's energy security: diplomatic works combine with efforts to negotiate forward basing rights aimed at lending legitimacy to a more large-scale Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean; strengthening economic ties with neighbour-countries and importing countries to ensure the steady energy supply; development of alternative fuels and energy savings in order to reduce dependence on oil and gas import; encouraging Chinese companies to participate and invest in overseas oil and gas projects, establishment of strategic oil reserves. To meet the increasing energy needs China must ensure stable and safe energy supplies from various regions. Therefore, now it is important to diversify and secure oil imports, get an access to basic resources and enhance the security of oil transportation from the Middle East. Concern for energy security made China pay attention to the strategic lines of communication (SLOCs). Free access from the coast of China into the Indian Ocean has a peculiar significance. It is obvious China fears the presence of the USA, which can control Chinese economy dependant on sea lines in the moments of crisis. SLOCs connecting China with Africa and Middle East pass through the Strait of Malacca. Ninety five percent of the oil used in China is transported by sea, and 80 percent of that is shipped through the strait, that is 15 million barrels of oil per day. The Strait of Malacca illustrates that China will depend heavily on international sea-lines to import oil from Africa and Middle East. That becomes a potential threat to energy security in accordance with the position of the USA. Considering vulnerability of SLOCs China developed a long-term strategy aimed to ensure the energy security and security of SLOCs. It is: to minimize the concerns of South and South-East Asia nations who worry of China's claims; undermine the claims of the USA to control the Asian sea space; suppress nationalism in China to maintain political and social stability. All these measures are parts of the so-called soft power. China is extremely good at using strategy, which Russia fails to acquire. Slowly and steadily, without confrontations, using mainly diplomacy and finance, it achieves the goals.
