China’s recently discovered Bozhong 26-6 200 million cubic meters of reserves

China’s National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has announced that its Bozhong 26-6 oilfield has proven reserves of over 200 million cubic meters. Located in the southern waters of the Bohai Sea, if this figure is correct, it could make the oilfield the biggest metamorphic rock oilfield worldwide.

China’s recently discovered Bozhong 26-6 200 million cubic meters of reserves

Venezuela and Guyana to Maintain Direct Dialogue Amid Essequibo Dispute

Venezuela and Guyana to Maintain Direct Dialogue Amid Essequibo Dispute

On Thursday evening, both nations published the “Joint Declaration of Argyle for Peace Between Guyana and Venezuela.”* The eleven-point document establishes that neither nation will threaten the use of force against the other, that both committed to “resolving controversies in accordance with international law” and to “refrain[ing] from escalating any conflict.”

The first block of talks included the participation of CARICOM, the regional body of Caribbean states that includes and backs Guyana’s position that would have the International Court of Justice (ICJ) settle the territorial dispute over the Essequibo region.** Venezuela holds “observer” status in CARICOM.

Caracas, on the other hand, views the 1966 Geneva Agreement,** which commits the countries to work out a mutually satisfactory solution, as the only binding instrument to solve the border issue.

The Guyanese president added that he viewed the intervention of the ICJ as “part of the Geneva agreement” since the case was taken to the World Court following a referral by the United Nations secretary general.**

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*The joint declaration of Argyle for dialogue and peace between Guyana and Venezuela

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ExxonMobil foresees profit and expansion surge fueled by Guyana, Permian advancements

ExxonMobil foresees profit and expansion surge fueled by Guyana, Permian advancements

With an annual total capital expenditure and exploration expense projection ranging between US$23 billion to US$25 billion, ExxonMobil is set to allocate US$22-$27 billion annually toward project spending until 2027. This includes a commitment to emerging ventures in lithium and low-carbon initiatives, with an 18% increase in spending in these areas.

Emphasizing its dedication to the energy transition, ExxonMobil’s Low Carbon Solutions division is expected to witness an increase in budget from US$17 billion to US$20 billion between 2022 and 2027, contingent upon government support.

The company plans to ramp up annual share buybacks to $20 billion by 2025, an increase from the current US$17.5 billion, following the completion of the Pioneer merger. Additionally, ExxonMobil continues its divestment strategy for refining operations.

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Essequibo: Guyana may “ask UN member states to take military action to force Venezuela to comply with the ICJ order”

Guyana to take Venezuela to UN Security Council after Maduro’s announcements about Essequibo; GDF contacts US Department of Defence

Dr Ali added that there was “nothing to fear” as Guyana’s international partners and international community “are ready to support us.” He said the Guyana Defence Force was “on full alert” and has contacted the Florida-based United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), one of the 11 unified combatant commands in the US Department of Defense. “The Guyana Defence Force is on full alert and has engaged its military counterparts including the US Southern Command,” he said, without elaborating. Dr Ali added that the US, United Kingdom, Brazil and France as well as the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guitteres have been contacted. “By defying the court. Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally fundamental justice and morality and the preservation of international peace and security. They have literally declared themselves an outlaw nation,” he said.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall earlier Tuesday said the UN Security Council could be asked to approve economic sanctions on Venezuela or ask UN member states to take military action to force Venezuela to comply with the ICJ order that Venezuela must not take any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over Essequibo.

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Notes: Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, Amery Browne, has said that it’s a violation of the Caribbean Community’s policy for them to mediate a solution. Guyana was a founding member of CARICOM. Their aim was “to use [CARICOM] as leverage against Venezuela” and to prohibit them “from pursuing its Essequibo territorial claim”. [source]

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World Court orders Venezuela to refrain from action in border dispute with Guyana + More

World Court orders Venezuela to refrain from action in border dispute with Guyana

Friday’s ruling is the latest development in the larger border dispute. The ICJ said in April it had jurisdiction over the case, but a final ruling could be years away.

Interestingly, Judge Joan Donoghue used to work for the US State Department. 🤔

Related:

Essequibo and Other Border Issues: Venezuela’s Territorial Losses to Imperialist Powers Through the Centuries (Part 1)

Previous posts on Venezuela v Guyana

Offshore discoveries turn tiny Guyana into oil hotspot

Oct 23 (Reuters) – Chevron (CVX.N) has agreed to buy smaller rival Hess (HES.N) in a $53 billion all-stock deal that will help the oil major secure a foothold in oil-rich Guyana.

The deal makes Chevron a partner with Exxon (XOM.N) in Guyana’s booming oilfields, which are expected to generate 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Hess is part of a consortium, including Exxon Mobil Corp and CNOOC (0883.HK), that operates in Guyana and has made more than 30 discoveries in the country’s offshore waters since 2015. Exxon had a 45% stake in the consortium with Hess owning 30% and CNOOC having a 25% stake.

FACTBOX Offshore discoveries turn tiny Guyana into oil hotspot

Previously:

Opposition NGO warns Essequibo question might end up in war between Venezuela and Guyana + More

Control Ciudadano (Social Watch – CC) Chairwoman Rocío San Miguel said Guyanese President Irfaan Alí’s recent statements regarding the military support of several countries to defend the Essequibo amounted to a “very strong warning for Venezuela,” which will hold a referendum on the matter on Dec. 3.

NGO warns Essequibo question might end up in war between Venezuela and Guyana

Rocío San Miguel is Venezuelan Opposition.

Related:

US Defense officials to visit Guyana amid Venezuela row: Guyanese VP

Both nations claim the 160,000-square-kilometer (62,000-square-mile) region, in a dispute that has intensified since ExxonMobil discovered oil there in 2015.

Another major discovery in Essequibo in October added further to Guyana’s reserves, making them greater than those of Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates.

US Escalates Essequibo Dispute by Militarizing Guyana

Venezuela: Maduro Warns of ExxonMobil Interference Ahead of ‘Historical’ Essequibo Strip Vote

For historical context: The Secret Agenda Behind the Venezuela-Guyana Conflict