关键词: 南海, 油气勘探, 战略, 中石油

Abstract: South China Sea is rich in oil and gas resources, particularly extremely abundant natural gas hydrate. Development of South China Sea resources is both the nation’s will and the expectation of the Chinese people. This article briefs about the current technological level of the world’s offshore oil and gas exploration and development as well as its achievement, pointing out that the offshore area has become the strategic replacement zone of global oil and gas resources.With exploration and development technologies increasingly matured, new offshore oil discoveries have outpaced those made onshore. In 2010, the global newly additional recoverable reserves reached 40.97×108t, of which the offshore reserves were 33.65×108t, accounting for 82.14% of the world’s total additional recoverable reserves. The offshore oil and gas production was 39% and 34% separately of the world’s total. Offshore oil and gas exploration and development is the strategic choice for replacement of China’s resources. From a strategic angle, the author analyzes the necessity and urgency for acceleration of oil and gas exploration and development in South China Sea, calling the giant state-owned oil enterprises like China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to shoulder their duty-bound responsibility in this area. It is necessary for them to launch technological research projects focusing on deepwater exploration and development in South China Sea and the related preparations for equipment.

Key words: South China Sea; oil and gas exploration; strategy; CNPC