British media laments: The global energy crisis is approaching, and China's years of strategic planning are finally paying off

How does China’s energy reserves demonstrate resilience in the Middle East crisis?

[Written by / Observer Network Liu Bai] In the face of the shipping crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Asian countries relying on Middle Eastern crude oil have been forced to respond hastily, while China has shown an unusual calm.

"The global energy crisis is coming, and China's years of planning are finally showing results." An article published by the British Guardian on March 19 pointed out that compared to other Asian economies dependent on Middle Eastern oil, China has substantial reserves of oil and liquefied natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources like wind and solar. At the same time, China is actively developing new energy and electric vehicles to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, providing a strong buffer against crises.

The article stated that for many years, China has been preparing for such energy crises. In 2021, China clearly stated that it must "firmly hold the initiative of energy supply in its own hands."

Currently, the U.S. and Israel's military strikes against Iran have plunged the Middle East into deep conflict, paralyzing the lifeline of global energy trade in the Strait of Hormuz, with key regional energy facilities being attacked one after another.

Shipping tracking consultancy Kpler data shows that Middle Eastern oil exports have plummeted by 61% in recent weeks, severely impacting Asian economies that heavily rely on oil from this region. By 2025, 59% of Asia's crude oil imports are expected to come from the Middle East, and many countries are now hastily implementing energy conservation measures.

For example, recently, India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply has remained tight, quickly transmitting pressure to the livelihood level. Many places across the country have seen panic buying, long lines, black market trading, and even conflicts. Many families have been forced to switch to traditional fuels like firewood, significantly impacting the catering and delivery industries.

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On March 13, in New Delhi, India, people are queuing at a gas company to refill liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. IC Photo

But as the world's second-largest economy, China's situation is starkly different from that of most Asian countries.

Mihal Meidan, Director of China Energy Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, pointed out in a recent report that China's energy system has "strong buffers": from vast reserves of oil and liquefied natural gas to robust domestic supply, as well as diverse alternative energy sources like wind and solar power, creating a solid defense.

China typically imports about half of its crude oil from the Middle East, but the impact it faces is far lower than that of other Asian economies.

Meidan bluntly stated, "This proportion seems high, but compared to Japan, India, and South Korea, it is significantly lower." For example, Japan relies on the Middle East for 95% of its oil imports.

It is reported that tankers operated by Chinese state-owned enterprises are working hard to ensure regional shipping. Even if overseas supplies are forced to tighten, China's already quietly accumulated massive reserves are sufficient to offset the impact of significant shocks.

Analysts believe that while China has not disclosed the scale of its strategic petroleum reserves, estimates vary widely, but it is generally believed that its reserve volume is astonishing. The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University estimates it to be about 1.4 billion barrels.

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On March 16, 2025, at Sinopec's oil depot in Hangzhou. IC Photo

At the same time, China is making every effort to reduce its economic reliance on fossil fuels. According to data from the International Energy Agency, China’s annual sales of electric and hybrid vehicles exceed the combined total of other regions worldwide.

Another significant factor not to be overlooked is the rapid growth of China's renewable energy installed capacity, further diminishing its dependence on fossil fuels. Energy think tank Ember estimates that by 2024, wind, solar, and hydropower generation in China will account for about 31% of the country's total electricity generation.

Interestingly, the U.S. New York Times also previously focused on China's strong resilience in responding to energy market shocks.

"China holds two aces: electric vehicles and renewable energy." The New York Times reported on the 14th, noting that China has invested hundreds of billions of dollars over decades in the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy, and this long-term strategy is now bearing fruit.

"Compared to other countries, China has some buffer space." Meidan further remarked in an interview with the Washington Post, "Looking at everything China has done, its way of hedging risks is rarely matched by other countries, and its power system can relatively withstand these shocks."

**This article is an exclusive piece from Observer Network and may not be reproduced without authorization.**