Since 1993, China has invested in more than fifty oil and gas projects in some thirty nations. In particular, China has focused on acquisitions and partnerships in Sudan and Iran. In Sudan alone, China has reportedly spent $15 billion developing oil fields. In the meantime, China has also begun to use its military to protect its oil investments abroad. Reportedly, troops disguised as oil workers patrol Chinese oil infrastructure in Sudan. Moreover, in recent years, China has strengthened its military presence in the oil-and gas-rich parts of the South China Sea, over which sovereignty is still disputed. Perhaps most significant in the short term is China’s relationship with Iran. With Saudi Arabia and Iraq clearly within the American sphere of influence, China has been steadily courting Tehran and aims to become the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. In return for oil, China has supplied Iran not only with conventional weapons but also with technology and materials that can be used for the manufacturing of nuclear weapons.