City Club of Central Oregon Discusses International Conflict Over Oil and Water

Territorial Disputes are focus of November 15 meeting. Do you know that over 60,000 ships pass through the South China Sea each year, representing half of the world’s maritime tonnage? Or that half of the world’s oil and two-thirds of its natural gas are transported through these waters?

The spar over control of the South China Sea territory is one of growing concern. As Japan’s dependence on imported foreign oil reaches almost 100 percent and China who in 2009 became the world’s greatest consumer of energy, which of Asia’s two biggest economies will gain control of the maritime territory as well as the potentially enormous oil and gas fields that reside there?

Although international agreements such as the Law of the Sea are in place, do they have any “teeth” if one or more nations choose to disregard them?  What role, if any, does the United States have in aiding the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries in addressing the conflicting claims?

Join City Club for our November 15 forum as we welcome Dr. Tom Roberts to discuss the intricacies of this issue. Dr. Roberts is both a former Navy and Army officer. His 30-year military career included three postings as US Military Attaché in China, duty in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon and at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, as well as Intelligence and operational assignments in Asia and Europe.

On November 15, Dr. Roberts will explain the strategic importance of the South China Sea, outline the nature and origin of the various disputes, examine the differing interpretations of the International Law of the Sea that give rise to such disputes, and review recent moves by claimant states that have elevated tensions in the region.

City Club once again sets the stage for engaging and more importantly, relevant discussions you will not want to miss!

Come join the conversation!

Did you know…

In terms of oil alone, more than 10 million barrels of crude pass through the Strait of Malacca into the South China Sea each day.

Proven oil reserves amount to about 7.7 billion barrels; with total reserves estimated by the US Geological Survey at 28 billion. Do the math on that at $100 a barrel!!

Japan’s dependence on imported foreign oil is almost 100%, and almost 90% of this imported oil must pass through the South China Sea.

As China‘s energy needs have grown, China‘s older onshore oil fields have been depleted – new sources need to be found.

When:

Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM PDT

Where:
St Charles Center for Health and Learning
2500 NE Neff Rd
Bend, OR 97702

Cost:
Early registration (closes Tuesday, November 13, 5PM) is only $20 for members and first-time guests, $35 for non-members. Walk-ins are welcomed for members and guests the day of the forum on a space-available basis for $35. Buffet lunch is included.

City Club of Central Oregon
www.cityclubco.com
541-633-7163