Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged faster development of a new national energy system, linking the initiative to growing global instability and energy market shocks caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The leader of the world’s second-largest economy also emphasised hydropower development and ecological protection, while urging the safe and orderly expansion of nuclear power, according to state broadcaster CCTV on Monday.
Clean transition alongside traditional energy sources
“The Party Central Committee has gained a profound grasp of global energy development trends and made major decisions by advancing the new energy security strategy in depth,” he said, referring to the ruling Communist Party’s centre of authority.Xi did not directly mention the war in his remarks cited by CCTV. The United States and Iran have been weighing a Pakistani-brokered plan that could end their five‑week-old conflict, even as Tehran pushed back against pressure to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s environmental plans
Analysts have pointed out that China can easily absorb the higher oil prices. Coal accounts for more than half of its energy mix, while it has ample oil stockpiles and imports via the Strait of Hormuz represent only around 5% of total energy consumption.
“The path we took in being the first to develop wind and solar power has now proven to be forward-looking. At the same time, coal-fired power remains the foundation of our energy system and must continue to play its supporting role,” Xi said.
The country continues to considern coal power as a reliable and flexible backup system, even as it accelerates renewables. Although he underscored the role of coal in China’s energy mix, the president said the country, which is still the world’s largest consumer of coal, must stay focused on clean, low-carbon development.
“A greener, more diversified and resilient new energy system will provide a strong guarantee for China’s energy security and economic development,” CCTV said.