CNOOC: China’s State Oil Giant Sees Path for US-China Energy Collaboration

**CNOOC CEO Highlights Opportunities for U.S.-China Energy Collaboration**

The chief executive of China’s state-owned oil and gas giant, CNOOC, expressed optimism on Thursday regarding future energy cooperation between China and the United States, noting that the company is open to pursuing joint investment opportunities with U.S. partners.

While China previously imported significant volumes of U.S. oil and gas, trade in these commodities has largely stalled due to tariffs imposed by Beijing during last year’s trade dispute. Despite subsequent improvements in bilateral relations, these tariffs remain active, keeping the energy trade frozen.

During President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing in May, U.S. officials discussed potential energy agreements, including increased Chinese purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG), though no formal deals have materialized.

“The U.S. is currently the world’s largest producer and exporter of LNG, while China is currently the largest importer of LNG — so there is actually still a lot of room for cooperation in the future,” said CNOOC Ltd CEO Huang Yongzhang, who did not disclose specific projects.

Speaking after the release of CNOOC’s half-year financial results, Huang emphasized that the company remains open to collaborating on investments with international partners, including those in the U.S., provided they generate shareholder value.

CNOOC is one of multiple Chinese energy firms holding long-term supply contracts with U.S. LNG exporters. Due to the ongoing tariffs, these firms have been reselling their cargoes on the global market rather than importing them directly into China.