China has emphasized its energy security amid the Iran war's disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Beijing to assist in securing the critical waterway.
China's Energy Security Position
Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, stated that China's energy supply is "relatively strong" and provides a "relatively good" foundation for应对 external market volatility, as translated by CNBC.
Domestic Crude Oil Production Data
- In the January to February 2026 period, China's domestic crude oil production increased by 1.9% year-on-year to 35.73 million metric tons, according to official statistics.
Trump's Diplomatic Pressure
- President Trump said China should help restore oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz before his planned trip to Beijing later this month, as reported by The Financial Times.
- He also suggested he might delay his China travel plans amid the ongoing situation.
Oil Market Impact and Iran-China Exports
- Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, nearing four-year highs, due to halted Hormuz shipments for most nations since the Iran war began over two weeks ago.
- Despite the disruption, Iran has exported more than 11 million barrels of oil to China through the strait during this timeframe.