【By Observer Net, Zhang Jingjuan】Amidst Trump's frequent use of military means to stir up global energy patterns and exacerbate geopolitical tensions, China's previously low-key oil reserve efforts have now become a "reassuring pill" for coping with geopolitical storms and ensuring energy security.

The New York Times reported on the 10th that before the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East led to the paralysis of energy supply lines, China took preemptive measures by increasing its oil purchases, "this is part of China's continuous strategy to cope with geopolitical tensions and ensure national energy security".

According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China, as the world's largest oil importer, China imported 48.045 million tons of crude oil in February, and a cumulative total of 96.934 million tons of crude oil in January-February, an increase of 15.8% year-on-year; refined oil imports were 4.775 million tons, with a cumulative total of 9.032 million tons in January-February, an increase of 43.3% year-on-year.

Over the past year, China has steadily expanded its strategic oil reserves. Now, these reserves are about to be put into use.

Cosimo Ries, an energy analyst at the policy research company Trivium China, said, "China's oil reserve actions have been ongoing for some time, and regulators had already prepared for the potential geopolitical tensions caused by the Trump administration. Looking back, this was a rather wise strategic move".

This year, the Trump administration's military actions have further exacerbated global energy supply volatility. In January, the United States launched a surprise attack on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, forcibly seizing the sitting head of state and transporting him to the United States. A month later, Khamenei was killed in an air strike launched by the US and Israel.

Venezuela and Iran are both important oil import sources for China. Trump recently told Fox News that the US would "control" Venezuela's oil industry and is working to obtain billions of dollars worth of oil resources. As for Iran, the specific plans of the Trump administration remain unclear.

According to Politico, in 2025, almost all of Iran's oil and more than half of Venezuela's oil flowed to China, with the two countries accounting for about 17% of China's total oil imports. In 2026, China began to reduce its oil imports from Iran.

On March 7, 2026, an oil tanker loaded with imported crude oil moored at the crude oil wharf of Qingdao Port, Shandong. IC photo

The New York Times cited expert opinions, stating that the current conflict in Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and it is expected that China will continue to strengthen its energy security.

Meanwhile, China has been well-prepared. A senior crude oil analyst at the shipping data company Kpler stated that over the past year, China has continuously increased its oil purchases to replenish strategic reserves, with the current reserve volume being approximately 1.2 billion barrels, equivalent to about 115 days of seaborne crude oil imports. According to this analyst, the Chinese government's current priority is to ensure stable fuel supply, and it is not excluded that measures such as releasing crude oil reserves may be taken.

The report noted that China's oil reserve layout is largely strategic. This year, India has significantly reduced its Russian oil purchases under pressure from the US, and Russian oil sellers, in an attempt to compensate for potential losses, have offered huge discounts to attract China's purchases.

It is worth noting that China's recent significant increase in oil imports has also injected strong momentum into foreign trade growth. Data shows that in January-February this year, the amount of China's imports increased by 19.8% year-on-year, rising 14.3 percentage points from the previous month; exports increased by 21.8% year-on-year, rising 15.2 percentage points from the previous month, continuing the trend of record-breaking overseas exports of Chinese-made goods last year.

In response to the impact of current geopolitical conflicts on global energy security, Guo Jikun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, stated at a regular press conference on the 10th that energy security is crucial to the world economy, and all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supply. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its own energy security. Specific issues should be directed to the relevant Chinese authorities for inquiries.

Guo Jikun said that China calls on all parties to immediately stop military actions, avoid further escalation of the situation, and prevent regional instability from having a greater impact on global economic development.

This article is exclusive to Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7615835603670434358/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.