Foreign Media: China's Energy Transition Shows Advantages in the Iran Crisis
The war between the US and Israel against Iran has caused turmoil in energy supply in the Gulf region, but as the world's largest oil and gas importer, China has been relatively less affected - this is a reflection of the effectiveness of its energy independence strategy over the past decade.
China's long-term "dual carbon goals" (carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060) and the priority strategy for renewable energy have received the most powerful practical verification during this crisis.
From a historical perspective, China's economic rise has been highly dependent on fossil fuels: according to data from the International Energy Agency, per capita electricity generation in China has surged by more than 550% since the beginning of the century, and coal power still accounts for more than 60% of total power generation, with the energy sector contributing nearly 90% of greenhouse gas emissions.
It is precisely because of the heavy environmental costs incurred that China has accelerated the transformation of its energy structure. This Iran crisis shows that the strategic direction of reducing reliance on Middle Eastern fossil fuels not only has environmental significance, but also has direct geopolitical and economic security value.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858929017704455/
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