The United States said China could expand its oil
interests in Sudan.
U.S. officials said China is willing to replace any firm that leaves
war-torn southern Sudan. The oil areas in the south have been the target of
Sudanese rebels.
"We don't foresee anything stopping the Chinese from increasing their
equity participation in the oil, and I think it probably would be
increasingly problematic if they were the dominant player," Assistant
Secretary of State Walter Kansteiner told a House International Relations
subcommittee on June 5.
The Bush administration has opposed a House bill that would force U.S.
companies and individuals to disclose their investments in Sudan.
Administration officials said such a measure could hurt Washington's attempt
to reconcile with Sudan.
Officials said the Chinese would seek to replace the Canadian firm
Talisman, which has a significant stake in Sudanese oil exploration and
production. Talisman has been under pressure from human rights groups to
leave Sudan.
