China regards energy security as a matter of supreme importance, and sees its national energy security strategy in conjuction with national enviromental goals to achieve the peak of carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
As home to the world’s largest oil refining sector, China says it is prepared to coordinate on supply disruptions while issuing a call for an immediate end to all military operations in the Middle East.
The statement from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian came during a regular briefing in response to questions on whether Southeast Asian nations have reached out to Beijing for urgent assistance. With the conflict in Iran disrupting traditional supply lines, China’s vast refining capacity is now being viewed as a vital backstop for the region.
Earlier this month, Beijing mandated a sweeping ban on the export of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel – a move that could trigger wide-spread shortages across the region, which is already reeling from supply cuts brought on by the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran. China’s comment indicate it is not unsympathetic to the concerns of friendly ASEAN nations.
Because China’s energy consumption has been greater than its domestic energy production in the recent decade, importing foreign energy safely and timely has become a top priority. Therefore, China has deepened its connection with Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar, Central Asian countries and Venezeula for energy cooperation.
Sources:
- AWANI International, Mar 20, 2026. https://international.astroawani.com/home
- Al Monitor, Mar 19, 2026. https://www.al-monitor.com/…/china-offers-work…
- CrudeCast, May 12, 2025. https://cyrusashayeri.substack.com/…/chinas-energy…
