The whole world is positioning itself to secure energy reserves, including what China is doing in Africa.

FORBES: Written by Jim Motavalli

Mulva likes gas less for its green qualities, more because gas reserves are easier to secure and help the company replace its declining oil production.

FORBES: ConocoPhillips' Mulva Talks Up Gas

With its oil needs outstripping the growth of its own reserves, China would like to secure oil farther afield.

ECONOMIST: Russia's oil auction

Moreover, Gulf countries might feel more secure about liberalising and eventually floating a Gulf-wide currency, backed by several countries' reserves.

ECONOMIST: Monetary union in the Gulf

Brazil holds recently discovered oil reserves that could be far larger than ours, and as we seek to increase secure-energy supplies, we look forward to developing a strategic energy partnership.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House