China's oil fortress will reshape the global order
Published on: July 16, 2026, 12:21 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
China shielded itself from the Iran war's energy shock by cutting crude imports and restricting fuel exports. This move demonstrated its capacity to manage global energy flows independently. The nation's substantial oil stockpiles remain largely untapped, offering future strategic options. China's actions transformed it from a price taker to a price maker in oil markets. This shift indicates a new era of energy interdependence and potential global power dynamics.
