Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for accelerated planning and construction of a new energy system to safeguard China’s energy security, weeks into the Iran war that has triggered global energy shocks.
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 China Central Television on Monday.
“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.
Geopolitical Context
The United States and Iran have been weighing a Pakistani-brokered plan that could end their five-week-old conflict, even as Tehran resisted pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz swiftly.
Role of Coal and Renewables
Analysts note that China is relatively better positioned to absorb higher oil prices. Coal accounts for more than half of its energy mix, while the country 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.
China operates more than half of the world’s coal-fired power capacity, making it the largest carbon emitter — a point long highlighted by Western-led climate initiatives. The country continues to position coal as a reliability backbone and flexible backup system, even as it accelerates renewable energy development.
Despite underscoring coal’s role, Xi said China must remain committed to 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 reported.
Infrastructure Expansion
Last July, China began construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau.
Construction of a solar thermal power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group at an altitude of 4,550 metres in Tibet also began on Monday, according to Xinhua News Agency.
(with inputs from Reuters)
