Dow Jones: US, China To Discuss Shale Gas During Bilateral Talks

The U.S. is prioritizing China's development of shale gas in discussions relating to energy at an upcoming bilateral summit, as it views the unconventional fuel as vital for securing China's energy security, reducing carbon emissions and freeing up gas for global markets, the head of the U.S. Energy Resources Bureau said Tuesday.

U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual, the country's special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs, said the main focus of energy discussions at the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, which starts Thursday, will be on how the U.S. can help develop China's shale-gas resources.

China's development of shale gas may benefit U.S. oil majors such as Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. through partnerships with Chinese firms, he added. MORE