Xi Jinping Races to Slash China’s Foreign Energy Dependence Amid Iran War Chaos
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a rapid push to build a new energy system, aiming to shield the world’s second-largest economy from volatile global fuel shocks triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict.
On April 6, Xi directed accelerated planning and construction to create a greener, more diversified, and resilient setup. State media highlighted emphasis on expanding hydropower while protecting the environment and safely growing nuclear power.
The move underscores Beijing’s determination to cut reliance on imported oil and gas, especially from the volatile Middle East. With energy prices spiking from the war, China’s communist leadership sees domestic control as essential for long-term security and economic strength.
While framed as forward-looking “low-carbon” development, the directive reveals a hard-nosed priority: avoid being held hostage by foreign suppliers or global disruptions. China is betting big on self-sufficiency to keep its factories humming no matter what happens abroad.