Analysis of Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development and Suggestions for China

Abstract

The Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development is a typical case in Africa. The two states are located in Gulf of Guinea, where delimitation disputes inside are serious and oil competitions among western developed countries outside are fierce, the Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development is carried out on this background. About the implement, several factors play a positive role: stable bilateral relations, adjustments of domestic policies and the establishment of Gulf of Guinea Commission; but oil steal and outside intervention are negative factors. About the content, many special provisions, such as Proportion, Management, Petroleum Development Contracts and Disputes Settlement are contained in joint development agreement. However, there are still some problems unsolved: unequal status of the two states, lack of information sharing mechanism and supervision mechanism, multinational corporations’ monopoly. China should learn from it, deepen mutual understanding and mutual trust with countries nearby to promote joint development in South China Sea.