OTTAWA - China wants a energy partnership with Canada that would not only set an example for the world, but satisfy its demand for resources.

That's what China's ambassador to Canada, Zhang Junsai, tells The Canadian Press as Prime Minister Stephen Harper prepares for his return trip to the Asian economic giant in two weeks.

Zhang says China is undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization and its demand for energy and resources is simply huge.

Meanwhile, Canada is rich in energy and resources and has a stable political situation and favourable conditions for investment, he says.

Harper has made it clear that he views China and its Asian neighbours as important new markets for Alberta's oilsands crude following the Obama administration's recent decision to turn down the $7-billion Keystone XL pipeline project.

Harper is to make his second trip to China Feb. 6-12.