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Avatar universal

Here's the link

http://news.yahoo.com/chinese-oil-giant-acquires-canadian-energy-company-033902085.html

Kind of interesting.  The Chinese are going to be doing what they can to control the oil industry.  We've got the debt we owe them and perhaps we will soon be buying oil from them... won't that be wonderful?
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163305 tn?1333668571
China is in an industrialization stampede. Their reach to amass natural resources if not limited to North America, it is world wide.

Here's a few recent news items I randomly found online:

China's Shenhua Group will build the largest coal-fired power station in Asia over the next five years, the official Xinhua news agency said Tuesday, as the country struggles to meet its energy needs.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/272684/china-plans-asia-biggest-coal-fired-power-plant
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Oil-thirsty China stuck deep in Sudanese muck
JUBA, South Sudan —

At a restaurant along the River Nile offering crocodile and ostrich meat, officials of the world's newest, and desperately destitute, nation hosted a lunch this month for Liu Guijin, China's visiting envoy for African affairs.

Liu's visit to Juba, the dirt-track capital of South Sudan, which split from Sudan in July, came at a tense time. Sudan had just bombed a refugee camp, armed militias were mining roads and troops were clashing in disputed border areas.

The Chinese envoy, however, came here mainly to talk about oil.

The Chinese "are very worried," said Stephen Dhieu Dau, South Sudan's minister of petroleum and mining, who attended the lunch with Liu. "Their wish is to see the continuation of production and the flow of the crude. This is their concern."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017096221_chinaoil26.html
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The dragon goes shopping in South America
China is buying commodities and fuelling economic growth, but some worry the communist giant is creating dependency.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/12/20111212162113350425.html

                                              ***

FORT McMURRAY, Alberta - As U.S. companies look toward oil riches in northern Canada, they're encountering increasing competition - as well as some much-needed cash infusions - from the Far East.

U.S. and Canadian companies have dominated Alberta's oil sands for decades. Now, though, Chinese firms are rushing to snap up Canadian oil sands resources and invest in ongoing projects - to the tune of $15 billion in the past 18 months in Alberta alone.

China invests billions in Canada oil sands
http://www.chron.com/business/article/China-invests-billions-in-oil-sands-2176114.php                                            
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Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I appreciate what you said about the environmentalists.  What we see here is often akin to what you mentioned regarding the facts.  As I mentioned above, we do have the EPA... our national environmental watchdog.  Because of our dependency on crude oil, the EPA should be working with these oil companies, and as you said making sure that no safety corners are cut.  Technology is far better today than it was 10,20,30 years ago.  Is there room for more improvement?  Absolutely there is.

What everyone needs to be aware of is, there is an inherent risk with everything we do.  Drilling or no drilling, pipe line or no pipeline.... what are the risks and are they worth it?  Until we can come up with a viable alternative source to fuel the nation/world, I think it is worth it.
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377493 tn?1356502149
Well, I gotta tell you, I'd sure as heck rather be doing what we can to support the US then China.  1000 times over.  And I think most here feel that way.  But of course, as usual no one is making a stink over this type of thing...it's like "ahhh, just have a beer, and it'll be ok".  We are just way to laid back here.  I don't trust what China is doing at all.  Buying up business (especially oil), holding a lot of the financial cards in the US, and in the same breath, I think most believe they are hand holding with Iran, North Korea, etc.  To me, that doesn't feel right.

As for the pipeline...as I said, I support it.  Wholeheartedly.  I do think it would be good for both countries.  Not entirely sure how many jobs it will permanently create, but I still come back to the situation in the Middle East.  If China is working with them, and they decide to cut you folks off...not good.  And Canada MUST stand with the US.  It absolutely has a moral responsibility to do so.  It is where our backing should be, and we should be helping where we can.  Of course, now the enviromentalists on this side of the border are getting involved...of course they are.  And I don't think they even have their facts straight.  Oil is not a dirty word. If things are handled correctly, it can be dealt with safely.  Just no safety corners being cut.

No, I don't think this buy up is a conspiracy...at least not here.  No one would care enough to do that.  But on the Chinese side?  Yeah, they know what they are doing.  I have nothing to offer there but my gut feeling...I don't like it.
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Avatar universal
I don't know if there is a conspiracy theory here or not.  It just looks like there are a lot of things to look at.  And as you said adgal, there are other countries that own oil/energy outfits in your country... the US being one of them.

I'm not for sure where, but the Chinese either outright bought, funded, or started a solar company here.  The details are foggy right now, so Ill try to look this up tomorrow.  (Been at work for 13 hours, 3 more to go....)

With the pipe line.... I don't know enough about it, but off the cuff I'd say that this thing has the potential to create a lot of jobs both this side and your side of the border.  How important is that, or is it even important?  Is this politics holding jobs for ransom?  I just don't know.  I'd guess you'd also have to get the EPA involved and see where they are at here.  (They stopped a Bar B Que joint here from building an open mesquite bar-b-que pit...)  I understand the need and the past successes the EPA has had.  Without them numerous streams/rivers/lakes would be in far worse shape than they are now, and some completely dead.  But I don't think the government or any of its agencies should be stopping oil production or importation.  What I think they should be doing is working with these companies, guiding them instead of restricting them....

I'd much rather be spending American money with Canada.  I'd much rather see Canadian truckers and this pipeline bringing oil here.  I think our dependency of foreign oil is going to kill us.  We have the technology, but we also have so many people who are 100% against any drilling anywhere and will fight till the death.  They also have giant pockets.  At the same time, Americas oil magnates are filthy rich, but it seems as if the money ain't working for them right now.

I give.  Can't make heads nor tails of any of this.  Too many wrinkles....perhaps that is what they want.... Okay, now who is they?  LOL
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
A thought just popped into my head. Trying to read up on this reminds me how non politically aware most in my country really are.  You folks often talk about how everything in the US seems to be politically motivated...here it is the extreme opposite and honestly, it's problematic.  We all seem to walk around here in our secure little bubble, not even seeing what is going on with the situation with China.  These companies being bought up?  Not a word of protest.  Now, when Gretzgy moved from Edmonton Oilers to LA Kings?  Then they screamed.  It worries me...no one really seems to pay attention here.  
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I doubt the purchase of these companies by China would be associated with the pipeline situation, but who knows?  Personally, I think the sale was exactly as it appears....a lot of money was offered and they took it.  Neither of these companies were crown corporations, so I doubt politics played a part in it.  But I don't think those that chose to sell to China used common sense.  Dollar signs got in the way.  
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
Could this have something to do with the Keystone XL pipeline, that Obama wants to put off the decision for until after the 2012 election?  I suspect, by then, it will be too late....... we are already so indebted to China - this is scary.
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377493 tn?1356502149
BTW...the Chinese also own a huge oil company here called Husky Oil.  I do believe the US also owns a few here...or at least US oil based companies have offices here in the city I live in. Same with UK companies.  BP has offices here, etc.  So although they may never have been Canadian owned, they have bought up Canadian oil sands, refineries, etc.  We are way too nice in all honesty, and don't take steps to protect ourselves the way we should.  It angers a lot of people.  We shouldn't keep other countries out, especially not friends and neighbors.  But we need to also protect ourselves.  Put our own interests first.  I don't know Brice, this world is changing and with China becoming so powerful, plus all the instability in the Middle East, I will admit to having the odd sleepless night.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Interesting thought on whether or not our gov't is selling us out.  As you know, I am no fan of our current gov't...actually of any of the parties or their leaders right now.  But I'm not entirely certain if I can put this on them...maybe, I would have to know more I suppose.  Honestly, this just might be a case of capitalism (which I do believe in) coming back to bite us.  I mean, just about everything is for sale if the price is right, and there are business owners out there who don't give a hoot about what's best for the majority, just what's best for them.  So with China being so wealthy, and I'm sure an excellent price offered, well, this is the result.  I would like to see more legislation in place controlling the purchase of certain companies (such as those dealing in our natural resources) being restricted in terms of foreign ownership.  Especially given what's going on in the world right now.  

Also, I personally am a supporter of the US.  I think our long relationship is worth much, and your our neighbors. But, like any issue, not all agree with me.  If the Chinese are willing to pay more, many say lets' work with them.  I don't think they are looking at the bigger picture or the long term ramifications, but it's all about the almighty dollar right?  I don't know, this whole situation doesn't sit right with me.  I would be pro selling them oil if the US doesn't want ours...we do have to take care of ourselves economically, but I am not pro having any one from any country take over....and if this keeps happening, that's what we could see.  Oil is a powerful resource.  These companies should stay in Canadian hands.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your oil is a product on the market.  The companies producing that product are for sale.  It is all very legal, but very worrisome.  I wonder if it comes to a point where you folks feel as if your government is selling you out or what the case is....

I also wonder what this will do with the relationship between Canada and the US.  Will it have any impact?  Truthfully, maybe on a low level because some American companies are doing the same thing.  

It just scares me.... The Chinese currency is at an all time high.  I am perplexed as to why we would even do business with these people?  IF we are a conscious people, look at all of the humanity crimes purported in that country.... that alone should make us turn our backs.  I think this just gives more creedence to the notion that corporations and money do run the show.  (At the same time, I think this almost puts an end to the middle east being the catalyst for an "end of times" war.)
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I just read the link.  I have to say, I worry about this.  We don't have the debt to the Chinese you folks do, but still worrisome.  Let's face it, they have so much power over the US now with the debt load, and now they are buying up companies that deal with our countries biggest resource, and at a time when there is so much instability in the Middle East?  Not feeling to comfortable right now.  Not sure there is much that can be done about it though, and I do know they are after our oil.  Very aggressively after our oil.  Scary.
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