China has been preparing for a global energy crisis for years. It is paying off now

China's years of strategic energy stockpiling—including vast reserves of oil, gas, wind, and solar capacity—is positioning the country to weather a global energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint. President Xi Jinping had publicly committed to securing China's energy supply "in its own hands" during a 2021 oilfield visit, laying groundwork for this moment. While other Asian economies scramble to conserve energy amid supply disruptions in the Middle East, China's diversified reserves and alternative energy infrastructure give it a significant competitive advantage. The geopolitical turmoil has validated Beijing's long-term energy independence strategy, potentially shifting economic leverage in the region as energy-dependent nations face shortages.