Beijing, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged the acceleration of planning and construction for a new energy system, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens global energy supplies. Addressing senior officials and industry stakeholders, Xi highlighted the importance of diversifying energy sources while maintaining ecological protection and supporting ongoing coal usage, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Focus on Diversification and Clean Energy
Xi emphasized that China’s recent advancements in wind and solar power demonstrate a forward-looking strategy, but stressed that coal-fired power remains the foundation of the nation’s energy system and should continue to play a supporting role. He also underscored the safe and orderly expansion of nuclear power, noting its critical role in ensuring energy security.
"Our pioneering development of wind and solar power has now proven to be forward-thinking. At the same time, coal-fired power remains the foundation of our energy and should continue to play a supporting role," Xi said, adding that China should adhere to the path of clean and low-carbon development.
Xi further stated that a greener, more diversified, and resilient energy system will serve as a strong safeguard for both China’s economic growth and energy security.
Strategic Reserves and Energy Security
China currently maintains a strategic crude reserve of 1.3 billion barrels, sufficient to meet domestic needs for several months. Its energy mix includes nuclear, solar, wind, and domestically mined coal, providing a buffer against global supply disruptions.
In 2024, China imported approximately 35% of its energy from Gulf countries, paying around $413 billion for crude oil supplies. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has underscored the vulnerabilities associated with this reliance, prompting Xi’s call for a more resilient and self-reliant energy system.
Context of Middle East Tensions
Regional tensions have escalated sharply since US and Israeli forces launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, while restricting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Recent reports indicate that three Chinese vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining secure shipping lanes for energy imports.
Hydropower and Nuclear Development
Xi reiterated the importance of hydropower projects as a key component of China’s renewable energy infrastructure, while also stressing environmental protection and sustainable development. He underscored that nuclear power must be expanded safely and systematically, contributing to the country’s long-term energy independence.
State authorities have been working on accelerating clean energy deployment, with ongoing projects in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, in addition to expanding nuclear capacity. The aim is to create a low-carbon yet reliable energy framework capable of withstanding international shocks, including conflicts affecting global energy flows.
China’s Broader Energy Strategy
Energy security has been a central element of China’s development planning. Xi’s speech reflects Beijing’s strategic foresight, emphasizing diversification, domestic resource utilization, and investment in renewable and nuclear power to reduce dependence on volatile global markets.
Analysts note that China’s energy policies are closely linked to its economic resilience, with diversified sources reducing vulnerability to disruptions caused by geopolitical crises such as the ongoing Middle East conflict. By strengthening domestic energy production and maintaining strategic reserves, China seeks to ensure economic stability and uninterrupted industrial growth even in times of global uncertainty.
Xi Jinping’s call for an accelerated transition toward a new, diversified energy system comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty over oil and gas supplies. The president’s emphasis on balancing clean energy, nuclear expansion, and coal support reflects a pragmatic approach to energy security, ensuring that China can withstand both market volatility and geopolitical disruptions while advancing its long-term low-carbon development goals.
China’s ongoing monitoring of the Strait of Hormuz and strategic energy imports demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding supply chains, further highlighting the central role energy security plays in the country’s domestic policy and international strategy.
