That is not in the best interests of shareholders. Constructive engagement is not simply a concept in the context of doing business in China. Over the past 25 years BP has learned time and time again about the importance of building long-term relationships in China. Such relationships are not only the key to commercial payoffs, they are also the main medium through which broader business principles and policies are transmitted. We believe we should.
China offers a unique business challenge.
No global company can afford to ignore it. But understanding such a complex cultural, political, economic and social landscape can only come through a long-term presence and commitment. Nor can the individual components of our Chinese business interests be viewed in isolation. The idea that BP could divest its stake in PetroChina and still retain its reputation in China and remain a positive force there is contrary to the experience we have painstakingly built up over 25 years. BP's shareholder interest in PetroChina is a symbol of our commitment to build a long-term relationship with a leading Chinese energy group.