Much has been written about China, yet little is known about its role as the world’s largest energy consumer, often obscured by misinformation. This book offers a rare historical account of China’s oil and gas industry from its origins, tracing back to 1000 AD when the country drilled the world’s first well using bamboo to transport gas. Serving as both a textbook for students and a reference for researchers, government officials, and industry executives, this exploration delves into the complete history and evolution of China’s oil and gas industry, covering upstream, downstream, onshore, and offshore developments. It addresses the industry's growing demand, its impact on global oil and gas fundamentals, and how geopolitics influences China's energy supply security while forecasting industry evolution within the context of the global energy transition.

Xu Yihe is an energy journalist with more than 30 years of experience reporting on China’s oil and gas industry. He holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Beijing Foreign Studies University and a Bachelor of Journalism from the China School of Journalism, combining rigorous language training with professional reporting expertise. His career spans Xinhua News Agency, Asia Pacific Energy Publications, Dow Jones Newswires, the Wall Street Journal, and Upstream. He was a founding member and editor of Xinhua’s English-language energy newsletter China OGP, and editor of the WPC English Bulletin (1997 edition). Rock, Hole and Choke is his first book chronicling China’s oil and gas industry.