They say that when one door closes, another one opens. With investors wondering where to look for gains in a global equity marketplace that sometimes seems to have had all of its doors simultaneously slammed shut, China may have finally unlocked some deadbolts.
As China's enormous stimulus plan gains recognition as a noteworthy catalyst for economic activity in the region, state-run oil giant CNOOC (NYSE:CEO) is taking bold steps to ensure that the vast oil- and gas-producing potential of the South China Sea will be available to fuel the country's growth. A week after CNOOC announced its $29 billion plan to develop drilling projects in the region through 2020, market-intelligence group Industrial Info Resources reports that project partners will include Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE:APC) and Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN).
Both of these companies have been active exploration partners in the area, so while the choice may not come from out of left field, the scale and longevity of China's commitment to this development program nonetheless makes this an exciting venture for the two U.S.-based companies. In a still larger context, I expect this news to mark an emerging trend, whereby non-Chinese companies will be identified as direct beneficiaries of China's sudden and dramatic shift into an aggressively pro-growth economic stance.
But while the project signifies an open door to oil and gas development near China's shore, doors are rapidly slamming shut on more marginal projects around the world. Particularly with the severity of the global credit crunch, projects that looked very promising when we had $140 per-barrel-oil invite renewed scrutiny below $50. Petro-Canada's (NYSE:PCZ) decision to delay the massive Fort Hills oil sands project stands as just one glaring example. Some analysts anticipate additional project delays and cancellations to come from energy titans such as ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO).
And a one door opens for Anadarko and Devon, another one closes on ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM). You see, portions of the South China Sea are home to conflicting territorial claims by neighboring Vietnam and Indonesia. China exerted its considerable influence last summer to oppose a proposed exploration venture between ExxonMobil and Vietnam. With this proposed development initiative, China is wasting no time exerting a preeminent historical claim to the waters in question.
Since investors may find the maze of doors disorienting, I recommend that Fools pay special attention to the doors that lead to China.
Further Foolishness:
- Is OPEC opening a door for investors?
- Another company that may feel a China boost.
- China will need to bring materials in.
