Abstract
This essay critically examines Building for Oil, a comprehensive study of the Daqing Oil Field and its role in the evolution of China’s socialist state. It acknowledges the narrative’s intricate exploration of Daqing’s role in China’s early-stage industrialization, highlighting its unique approach to urbanization and worker-peasant village formation, and Daqing’s symbolic significance in reflecting Communist ideals and Mao Zedong’s revolutionary ethos. However, this essay also identifies critical gaps in the book’s narrative, notably the absence of pronounced connections between Daqing’s historical significance and contemporary China’s economic and energy infrastructure. The review argues for the necessity of incorporating discussions on the evolution of China’s economic model, energy transition and the role of technocracy and leadership in shaping these dynamics. Concluding, the review acknowledges the book’s significance while highlighting areas for further exploration to enrich the narrative, particularly in the context of China’s ongoing transformation and global impact.
Keywords
I. Introduction
In our shared pursuit of understanding the commons and “decolonizing nature, economy, and society”,(1) I have had the privilege of fostering an academic camaraderie with Obeng-Odoom, particularly in the realm of the political economy of development. It was through this intellectual kinship that he extended an invitation for me to participate in the Global South Encounters, featuring a panel discussion on Hou Li’s thought-provoking book Building for Oil.(2) This invitation piqued my interest, especially in light of my recent analysis of Carbon Technocracy: Energy Regimes in Modern East Asia by Victor Seow, published by the University of Chicago Press in 2022.(3)
Seow’s “carbon technocracy” represents a paradigm shift in the discourse surrounding modern energy utilization, challenging the prevailing narrative of universal solutions to development needs. Through the lens of the Fushun colliery, Seow intricately delineates the co-evolution of the fossil fuel economy and the advent of the modern technocratic state. In a similar vein, Building for Oil by Hou Li explores the ascendancy of the Chinese socialist state, using the Daqing Oil Field as a focal narrative.
Such compelling narratives in both works make them indispensable reads for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Thus, it is with great enthusiasm that I present my review of Building for Oil, drawing from my academic background and informed by the broader discourse in the field.
In Building for Oil: Daqing and the Formation of the Chinese Socialist State, the author presents a meticulous exploration of the Daqing Oil Field within the multifaceted socioeconomic, cultural and political milieu of mid-twentieth-century China. The book adeptly navigates through Daqing’s unique composition, revealing its blend of urban and rural elements, thereby mirroring the expansive socioeconomic transformations occurring within China. This unique model of industrialization, deviating from traditional urbanization patterns, has been pivotal in shaping the framework for worker-peasant villages and city planning across China, highlighting a distinctive approach to industrial development.
Building for Oil scrutinizes China’s early-stage industrialization approach, illuminating the disparities between ambitious objectives and the practical realities of implementation. The in-depth examination of Daqing’s specific urbanization strategy and its wider economic and social impacts provides a comprehensive understanding of its role in China’s modernization process. The book further situates the development of the Daqing Oil Field within a larger geopolitical and international context, reflecting on the influence of global oil trends on China’s domestic policies.
The narrative of Building for Oil goes beyond the physical construct of Daqing, delving into its symbolic representation of Communist ideals and Mao Zedong’s revolutionary ethos. This analysis is crucial in understanding the integral role Daqing played in the political and economic discourse of the era, serving as a focal point of ideological debate and encapsulating the essence of Maoist principles. The Daqing model was a product of Mao Zedong’s era, epitomizing his vision for China’s industrialization – an outlook characterized by mass mobilization, political indoctrination and centralized command.
The book offers a nuanced perspective on the Daqing model, probing the sustainability of its industrial and urbanization strategies and the associated human and environmental costs. It navigates Daqing’s complex evolution, employing a chronological structure that aids in contextualizing its development within the broader spectrum of China’s history. The incorporation of personal narratives, notably the story of Hua, a female planner in Daqing, adds depth to the historical account by juxtaposing individual experiences against the wider canvas of industrial and political progress.
That said, the monograph could be significantly enhanced by an expanded discourse on the nexus between Daqing, contemporary China, technocracy and leadership dynamics. The remainder of this paper is structured into four distinct sections: the core arguments of the book revolve around a detailed exploration of the Daqing Oil Field, portraying it as a pivotal example that mirrors the broader evolutionary processes within the Chinese socialist state. This examination is followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly focusing on how these reforms have been exemplified and influenced by developments within the Daqing Oil Field, thereby shedding light on the broader contours of China’s socialist state’s developmental path. Subsequently, the paper delves into a discussion of pivotal aspects that the book overlooks. The article culminates in a series of concluding reflections.
II. The Daqing oil field as a microcosm of the Chinese socialist state’s evolution
The book’s use of Daqing Oil Field as a paradigm to elucidate the formation of the Chinese socialist state from the perspective of political economy is indeed apposite,(4) albeit with certain caveats. The Daqing Oil Field encapsulates quintessential elements of the evolution of the Chinese socialist state, particularly in the realms of industrialization, ideology and economic policy. Nevertheless, it is imperative to contextualize this within the broader panorama of China’s political and economic history. The discovery and cultivation of the Daqing Oil Field symbolized China’s stride towards self-reliance, a stride taken amidst looming external threats to its oil supply, resonating with the overarching theme of self-sufficiency and diminished reliance on foreign powers in the socialist state narrative.
Moreover, Daqing transcended a mere industrial undertaking; it was imbued with profound ideological significance. The “Daqing Spirit” emerged as a personification of socialist principles of diligence, sacrifice and collective endeavour, exemplifying the symbiosis of economic objectives with ideological narratives prevalent in socialist states (Chapter 4). As a state-led enterprise, Daqing’s development mirrored the socialist economic model, where the state assumes a central role in orchestrating economic activities, including major industrial projects. This development transpired during a pivotal epoch in Chinese history, underscored by events such as the Sino-Soviet schism, which were instrumental in moulding the policies and trajectory of the Chinese socialist state. Daqing’s contribution to China’s economy, particularly in oil production and fiscal revenues, also accentuates the significance of natural resources and industrial development in the political economy of socialist states.
Daqing serves as a representative microcosm of several pivotal themes in the development of the Chinese socialist state. However, it is essential to recognize its role within a larger, more intricate narrative. While Daqing is an illustrative and noteworthy exemplar, it constitutes merely a fragment of the extensive narrative of China’s evolution and development as a socialist state. The formation and evolution of the Chinese socialist state were the products of an array of factors that extend beyond the confines of the Daqing Oil Fields, encompassing significant shifts in political ideology, economic strategies, social frameworks and international relations. To fully comprehend the formation of the Chinese socialist state, an examination of other industrial, agricultural and sociopolitical developments alongside Daqing is critical.
III. Reassessing SOE reforms and the Daqing oil field in the context of China’s socialist state development
Daqing is presented not merely as an industrial project but as a symbol of self-reliance and industrial prowess, reflecting the fusion of economic objectives with ideological narratives characteristic of a socialist state. Incorporating a discussion on the reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in a book focused on the Daqing Oil Field would provide a more profound view of China’s economic transformation. This addition would enrich the reader’s understanding of the complex interplay between state policy, economic development and market forces in shaping China’s journey from a socialist planned economy to a market-oriented one.
The primary objectives of SOE reforms were to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness. This transition required SOEs to become more efficient, innovative and responsive to market demands, leading to increased productivity and a significant role in the global economy. However, this process encountered tremendous challenges, some of them briefly mentioned in the book (Chapter 6). On the other hand, the reform of SOEs also influenced China’s policymaking and governance models, reflecting a transition to a unique blend of socialism and market economics. The economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping marked a pivotal shift, introducing market mechanisms, reducing state control and encouraging private and foreign investment, fundamentally altering the SOE landscape. Discussing these reforms provides a continuum connecting the era of Daqing with subsequent economic developments and presents a fuller picture of China’s journey through and beyond the era of socialist planning to its current status as a major global economic power.
IV. Critical oversights
a. The Daqing Oil Field and modern sustainability debates in and about China
Building for Oil adeptly examines the historical significance of the Daqing Oil Field, yet it could further enhance its analytical depth by establishing more pronounced connections with contemporary China, particularly in the realms of its evolving economic development model and energy infrastructure. The necessity of forging these links is multifaceted, offering the potential to substantially enrich the book’s contextual relevance and depth. The omission of a thorough linkage between the Daqing Oil Field’s history and the current economic and energy paradigms of China represents a notable gap in the narrative. Such connections are crucial for understanding the continued impact of the Daqing Oil Field on China’s contemporary socioeconomic and political landscape. By not delving into how Daqing’s legacy influences present-day economic strategies and energy policies, the book misses an opportunity to provide a holistic view of the field’s enduring significance. This oversight not only limits the historical perspective but also restricts the reader’s understanding of how past developments continue to shape current and future policy directions in China.
The trajectory of China’s economic model has undergone significant evolution since the Daqing era, shifting from a state-dominated heavy industrialization paradigm to a more diversified and technologically sophisticated economy. A deeper exploration into this transition would yield valuable insights, enabling a comparison of the principles and strategies prevalent during the Daqing era with those of contemporary economic approaches.(5) Furthermore, since the late 1970s, China has witnessed thoroughgoing market reforms and enhanced private sector participation, profoundly transforming its economic landscape, including the oil industry. An in-depth analysis of this evolution would provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s economic metamorphosis.(6) In the current era, China places a strong emphasis on innovation, technology and sustainability. Drawing parallels between the legacy of Daqing and these modern-day themes could illuminate the progression in China’s approach to economic development.
Sustainability is a critical part of this trajectory. Consider the ongoing shifts in China’s energy structure, with a growing focus on renewable sources and sustainability, which sharply contrast with its historical reliance on oil fields such as Daqing.(7) Evaluating how the legacy of these oil fields aligns with contemporary energy priorities is crucial for a nuanced understanding of China’s energy transition. Present-day China is confronted with the dual challenge of maintaining energy security and sovereignty while addressing environmental concerns. An exploration of the environmental implications of large oil fields like Daqing and their impact on current energy and environmental policies would be particularly pertinent. Moreover, the geopolitical implications of China’s current energy strategy, including efforts to secure overseas energy supplies and invest in global energy projects, are of considerable importance. The book could have been further enriched by examining how China’s domestic energy experiences, particularly those from the Daqing era, have shaped its contemporary international energy relations and strategies.
b. Technocracy and leadership
Incorporating an in-depth examination of technocracy within the context of Building for Oil would have markedly augmented the book’s analytical depth. This, coupled with the personal stories of Hua, would have provided a more rounded understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play. The establishment of the Daqing Oil Field required extensive technical knowledge, rendering it an exemplary case study to illustrate the ascendancy of technocrats in the Chinese oil industry. An exploration into how this project fostered the development of specialized skills in oil exploration and production in China would underscore the rise of technical experts. China’s historical shift from ideologically driven policies towards those centred around technical expertise and efficiency is noteworthy. The development of the Daqing Oil Field serves as a crucial point in tracing the impact of this paradigm shift on economic and energy policies. The influential role of technocrats in China’s economic planning, particularly during and post the reform era, merits discussion. Analysing how the technical skills honed during projects such as Daqing have played a role in broader economic planning and reform initiatives would offer valuable insights.
In contemporary China, technological innovation and ecological strategies around renewable energy are cornerstones of the country’s economic strategy.(8) Drawing parallels between the early technical developments in projects like Daqing and the current emphasis on high-tech industries would provide a perspective on the evolution of China’s approach to economic development. Exploring the increasing presence of technically educated individuals in governmental roles would yield useful insights, revealing how challenges encountered in projects like Daqing highlighted the need for technical expertise in governance. The interaction between technocratic and ideological approaches within the Communist Party of China, including the way policy decisions are influenced by technical expertise alongside political considerations, presents a compelling area for analysis.
The integration of narratives of key figures like Yu Qiuli alongside the existing personal stories, such as those of individuals like Hua, would have enriched Building for Oil. Yu Qiuli, as a significant political and industrial leader, particularly in relation to the Daqing Oil Field and broader industrialization efforts, offers an important perspective on state-level decisions, reflecting the political and economic ideologies of the time.(9) His insights would have provided critical context to the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of leadership styles, policy implications and political ideologies of the era. Balancing narratives of individuals like Hua with key figures like Yu Qiuli would provide a more rounded perspective, capturing both the macro-level policymaking and its impact on individuals. This approach would enable a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of industrialization and urbanization policies on both the general populace and the leaders who shaped these policies. This narrative strategy would also enable readers to understand the complexities and multifaceted nature of this period from various angles, encompassing the experiences and viewpoints of both leaders and people on the ground.
V. Concluding thoughts
The Daqing Oil Field in Northeast China, a decade after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), emerged as a pivotal milestone in China’s journey towards modernization and industrialization. The field’s discovery in 1959, at a time when the Soviet Union threatened to sever oil supplies due to ideological differences, was not just a triumph in securing China’s energy independence, but also a testament to the nation’s self-reliance. The “Daqing Spirit”, introduced in the narrative, reflects an ethos of national commitment, aligning with the PRC’s objectives for industrialization and societal change. The book situates the oil field as more than just an industrial site, portraying it as a reflection of the broader sociopolitical challenges and ambitions of the era.
Building for Oil offers an insightful examination of the tumultuous period marked by Daqing’s rise as a national paradigm, scrutinizing both the restructured official narratives of the reform era and the scholarly critiques that challenge the oversimplification of the Maoist epoch. The book takes a perspective that posits the Revolution and Reform as interlinked stages, thereby contesting the conventional binary interpretation and advocating for a more layered understanding of China’s historical evolution.
The epilogue of the book notably acknowledges the absence of a discourse on land use, a critical aspect in contextualizing China’s industrialization and the Daqing model. This omission gains significance in light of land’s integral role within the historical, economic and social tapestry of China. Recognizing this gap, the epilogue underscores the imperative to address land use considerations for a holistic grasp of China’s transformational trajectory. The transition of land from agricultural to industrial and urban purposes bears considerable implications, influencing a spectrum of factors from individual livelihoods and migration patterns to the overarching rural–urban dynamics. This self-reflective critique in the epilogue accentuates the necessity to incorporate discussions around land use and its ramifications, thereby offering a comprehensive analysis of China’s transformative path.
Building for Oil is an invaluable resource in the fields of Chinese history, industrialization and urban development. Its comprehensive analysis of the Daqing Oil Field provides deep insights into the intricate interplay of state policies, economic strategies and social transformations during a critical period in Chinese history, making it a substantial contribution to historical and urban studies.
