CNN: China’s energy strategy faces its toughest test yet

China is undergoing the first major test of its long-standing strategy of achieving energy self-sufficiency amid a global oil crisis triggered by the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, CNN reports.

Over the past decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pursued policies aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on external energy sources. These efforts have included large-scale expansion of solar, wind, and hydropower capacity, increased domestic oil and gas production, as well as diversification of raw material imports.

The current volatility in global oil markets is now putting that strategy under strain. Despite the disruption, China is reportedly showing relative resilience compared to several other Asian countries, which are being forced to urgently seek alternative fuel supplies.

As the world’s largest energy importer, China relies on substantial domestic reserves, a well-developed industrial base, and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. These factors are gradually reducing the country’s dependence on petroleum products in the transport sector.

By Jeyhun Aghazada