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

摘要： 我国南海海域拥有丰富的油气资源,特别是拥有极为丰富的天然气水合物,开发南海油气资源既是国家的意志,也是国人的期盼。文章介绍了当前世界海洋油气勘探开发达到的技术水平和取得的成就,并明确指出,海洋已成为全球油气资源的战略接替区,勘探开发技术日臻成熟,海上油气新发现已经超过陆上,2010年,全球新增可采储量40.97×108t,其中海洋为33.65×108t,占全球新增可采储量的82.14%,海上油气产量分别达到全球油气总产量的39%和34%;走向海洋是我国资源接替的战略选择,早下决心比较主动。作者从战略的高度分析了加快南海油气资源勘探开发的必要性和紧迫性,呼吁中石油、中海油等特大型国有石油企业担当起此项义不容辞的责任,尽早启动针对南海深水勘探开发技术的科研攻关及装备配置的工作。

关键词: 南海, 油气勘探, 战略, 中石油