Energy organization hopeful about US-China trade

Barry Worthington, executive director of the U.S. Energy Association (USEA), is expressing optimism about China’s trade future with the United States, despite a turbulent temporary trade war.

Worthington, speaking to China National Petroleum Corporation and energy stakeholders at the International Energy Forum in Beijing, informed China’s state-owned and largest oil and gas producer there was a reason for such optimism.

“The U.S.-China energy relationship is symbiotic, and cooperation on energy is likely for the long term, despite what looks like a short-term trade war to course correct our global trade deals,” Worthington said. “President Trump made clear last year when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping that the U.S. and China are partners. He announced $250 billion in deals, several of which were between Chinese companies and USEA members, like LNG-giant Cheniere Energy. If you follow the money, and the long view of companies in our sector, you’d be optimistic too.”

USEA and the U.S. Energy Department gather public and private oil and gas stakeholders from both countries to discuss resource management each year, Worthington said.

“China is aware of its growing demand for natural gas and the global demand that could rival its own,” he said.