Li Zhong, chief engineer of CNOOC Research Institute Ltd, is under disciplinary review and supervisory investigation for alleged serious disciplinary and legal violations. The investigation is being conducted by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission stationed at CNOOC, along with the Dezhou Municipal Supervisory Commission in Shandong province.

Professional Background and Achievements

With over three decades in the oil and gas industry, Li Zhong specialized in offshore drilling and completion technology. His career began at CNOOC's Zhanjiang Branch, where he led the deepwater drilling and completion team. He played a key role in the discovery of two major gas fields in the South China Sea's Qiongdongnan Basin: the Lingshui 17-2, China's first deepwater gas field development, and the Lingshui 18-1, China's first ultra-deepwater natural gas field. He also published research on the key technologies for the Lingshui 17-2 project. In 2020, he was elected an academician of the China Science Centre of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences and was transferred to his role as chief engineer at the CNOOC Research Institute, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Context and Corporate Response

The investigation occurs within a broader context of intensified anti-corruption efforts targeting state-owned enterprises in China, including the energy sector, which has seen several senior officials investigated in recent years. When contacted regarding the matter, CNOOC stated it had taken note and referred to the official announcement published by the disciplinary authorities.