Summary Beijing's attempts to pump more oil in China are failing to reduce the country's growing dependence on foreign energy sources. Although the government plans to launch a new round of exploration projects inside China, its main focus now is on gaining more overseas drilling rights for Chinese companies. This, however, presents new risks for China's oil security. Analysis China's economic reform and opening program has generated myriad new problems for Beijing. In an effort to rapidly expand its economic base and strengthen the nation, China's government has been forced to turn to foreign businesses for investment, technology and assistance. This has created a conundrum for Beijing, particularly in regards to sectors vital to national security like telecommunications and energy, where rapidly growing demand outstripped China's financial and technological capabilities. For China, as for most net oil importers, dependence on foreign oil is a serious issue.