Oil’s monopoly kaput, China to be top supplier of energy security

by HAN FEIZI

Noor Phase III CSP Project (150 MW) in Morocco, a central tower Concentrating Solar Power project, has the largest unit capacity in the world. The Project won the 2019 China International Sustainable Infrastructure Award, the 2020 China Power Quality Project (Overseas) Award, and the Social Responsibility Award Certificate issued by the Moroccan government. IMAGE/ PowerChina

With Hormuz closed, Gulf states under attack, every importing country will do what’s needed to remove oil from its energy stack

So, baby, can’t you see

I’ve got to break free

I’ve got to break free

I want to break free, yeah

– Queen

The world cannot possibly absorb more exports from China, screamed the pundits.

After the US and Israel ignited the Middle East powder keg? Oh yes it can! And oh yes it will!

Now more than ever, the world – especially the Global South – will buy everything China has to sell.

China set off alarm bells after its 2025 trade surplus grew 20% year-on-year to $1.2 trillion, in defiance of Trump tariffs. China’s 2025 exports increased 5.4% while its already low imports fell marginally. The 20% collapse in exports to the US was more than offset by growth everywhere else – particularly Global South countries with exports to ASEAN and Africa surging 13% and 26%, respectively.

Concerns were compounded by January and February 2026 data showing that China’s exports increased 22% in dollar terms (19% in Rmb terms). Exports to the EU, ASEAN and Africa rocketed 25%, 27% and 47%, respectively.

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