China started focusing the growing attention to the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian region already after the breakdown of the USSR. That time such interest implied only the scientific study of the hydrocarbon potential of the Caspian states. After disintegration of the USSR, the energy policy of China passed several stages: from obtaining access to oil and gas deposits in the countries of this region to construction of export pipelines supplying hydrocarbons to China. The policy of China in the Caspian region led to considerable changes in international relations. The cooperation of the Caspian countries with China in the energy area was broadened enormously: China invested into development of the oil and natural gas deposits and implemented pipeline projects for export of their hydrocarbon resources to foreign markets. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.