China, the quiet winner in the Middle East conflict

It is well known that in any war there are winners and losers. In the case of the conflict between the United States and the Middle East, one of the main beneficiaries seems to be China. Hence, while most G20 leaders express concern over the energy crisis, seeking quick and effective solutions, Beijing maintains a low profile, showing no apparent signs of tension. In this scenario, the figure of Xi Jinping stands out, observing the situation with relative calm.

Energy Strategy: less oil, more renewable energy

The Chinese leader is pursuing a clear strategy: reducing dependence on oil while massively increasing investments in renewable energy. In doing so, Beijing manages to shield itself relatively well from the global oil crisis, also thanks to extensive use of coal and long-term energy planning.The government recently presented its fifteenth Five-Year Plan, aimed at strengthening the growth of clean energy and electrical infrastructure. China aims to become a global energy power through a gradual transition from fossil fuels to non-fossil sources, with a ten-year strategy designed to double the share of clean energy in the national energy mix.

The Plan: Key Points

“We must fully implement the new energy security strategy, accelerate the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system, and build a strong energy nation"

This is how it is possible to read in the official document presented on March 13 in Beijing.

Efforts focus on the development of massive wind and solar complexes in the desert and semi-arid regions of northern China, known as “Sha-Ge-Huang,” intended to supply energy to industrialized regions. At the same time, integrated energy bases are being developed along major river basins, such as the Yalong, the upper Yellow River, and the Jinsha. Offshore wind and nuclear energy will also play a central role: the plan includes expanding offshore wind capacity beyond 100 million kW and safely developing coastal nuclear power up to approximately 110 million kW. Additionally, research on green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and solar thermal is being accelerated, while promoting integration between renewable electricity and digital infrastructure, such as data centers.

China: Electric leadership and geopolitical Influence

Unlike the West, China is less affected by rising fuel prices, partly due to its global leadership in electric vehicles (NEVs). In 2024, sales exceeded 11 million units, with a forecast of around 16 million in 2025. Electric cars now account for nearly half of all new vehicle registrations, with over 6 million fully electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in 2023 alone.

In this context, China can be considered one of the main beneficiaries of an unstable geopolitical scenario. The United States, in fact, has been forced to revise its strategic priorities: a meeting initially scheduled between March 31 and April 2 was postponed due to the escalation in the Middle East. “We are rescheduling the meeting,” said Donald Trump at the White House. “We are working with China. For them, it’s fine,” added the American tycoon. Moreover, Chinese diplomats appear to be pushing for the initiation of peace talks between the parties, urging Iran to “seize every opportunity for peace” and demonstrating Beijing’s willingness to contribute to stabilizing the conflict.