As far back as in the 1960s China began to explore and exploit offshore oil and gas resources on its own. In the 1980s it started to absorb foreign capital and technology to develop this industry in cooperation with foreign companies.

• 中国自六十年代开始进行海洋油气资源的自营勘探开发，八十年代开始吸引外国资金和技术，进行合作勘探开发。