China's Xi urges faster development of new energy system as Middle East war continues

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China Mar 12, 2026. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for accelerated planning and construction of a new energy system to safeguard the country'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 CCTV 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.

The United States and Iran have been weighing a Pakistani-brokered plan that could end their five‑week-old conflict, even as Tehran pushed back against pressure to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

ROLE OF COAL AND GREENER ENERGY

Analysts have pointed out that China is relatively better-⁠positioned to absorb the higher oil prices. Coal accounts for more than half of its energy mix, while it 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 top carbon emitter, which Western-led climate initiatives have long contended with. The country continues to position coal power as a reliability backbone and flexible backup system, even as it accelerates renewables.

Although he underscored the role of coal in China's energy mix, the president said the country—the world's largest consumer of coal—must stay 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 said.

Last July, China began construction of what will be the world's largest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau.

Construction on a solar thermal power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group at an altitude of 4,550 metres in Tibet has also begun on Monday, according to state Xinhua News Agency.