FROM NORTH TO SOUTH, WEST TO EAST……
SINO - INDIA
Geo-strategically speaking we are currently facing potential “NATURAL RESOURCE CONFLICT ZONES” in the MIDDLE EAST, the SOUTHERN CONE (ARGENTINA, UNITED KINGDOM) and last but not least, the FAR EAST, SINO- INDIA.
The later emerged when INDIA decided to push its “LOOK EAST” policy and ventured out into the SOUTH CHINA SEA, a move which has change the SINO – INDIA geostrategic rivalry once and for all. The visit of an INDIAN naval ship in VIETNAM, as part of a good will visit, annoyed CHINA but was kept at low profile. This time around though, the quarrel is far more serious and has to do with exploration projects by INDIAN state – owned OIL AND NATURAL GAS CORPORATION (ONGC VIDESH Ltd) in two offshore blocks that VIETNAM claims.
CHINA responded by issuing a statement which clearly objected oil and gas exploration in water which CHINA claims as part of its jurisdiction. INDIA on the other hand responded by stating that its cooperation with VIETNAM is in accordance with international laws, norms and conventions.
INDIA clearly is eager to engage further with VIETNAM on economic issues and cooperation’s in order to obtain a slice of the booming economic “cake” of the region.
CYPRUS, GREECE, ISRAEL, RUSSIA versus TURKEY, SAUDI ARABIA
On the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN natural resource dispute which involves TURKEY, ISRAEL, GREECE AND CYPRUS, RUSSIA sent two nuclear powered submarines to patrol EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN water around CYPRUS to enforce the islands right to explore oil and gas in its territorial waters.
Global warmongering surrounding the quest for natural resource seems to gain momentum and comes also as welcome distraction from the current financial crises the USA and EUROPE are facing.
BALKAN NATURAL RESOURCES
Last but not least we should not forget about the vast amount of natural resources available in KOSOVO and BOSNIA, including possible oil and gas reserves. The only reason oil and gas exploration in these parts of the BALKANS have not taken up momentum is the unstable economic and political situation and the worry by the international community of the consequences such findings would trigger in such versatile and ethnic environment.
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