China Prioritizes Energy Security, Tech Edge as Iran War Fallout Spreads

A child walks along a hiking trail with oil storage tanks and facilities of CNOOC Ningbo Daxie Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in the background in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura/File Photo
A child walks along a hiking trail with oil storage tanks and facilities of CNOOC Ningbo Daxie Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in the background in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura/File Photo

China’s top leadership on Tuesday pledged to strengthen the country’s energy security while pursuing rapid technological development and greater self-sufficiency, as the economy is beginning to be affected by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

The world’s second-largest economy grew 5.0% in the first quarter, at the top of its full-year target range of 4.5% to 5.0%, showing higher resilience than many other countries to the conflict, thanks in part to ample oil reserves and a diversified energy mix.

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