April 8, 2026
World
World
WASHINGTON, April 8 — President Donald Trump told AFP yesterday that the United States had achieved a “total and complete victory” after reaching a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran.
BEIJING, April 7 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an accelerated rollout of a new energy system to strengthen the country’s energy security, as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets.
Xi highlighted the development of hydropower and ecological protection, while also urging the safe and orderly expansion of nuclear power, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
“The Party Central Committee has gained a deep understanding of global energy trends and has made key decisions by advancing the new energy security strategy,” he said, referring to the ruling Communist Party’s leadership.
Although Xi did not directly mention the Iran war, tensions have prompted the US and Iran to consider a Pakistani-mediated plan to resolve their five-week-old conflict, even as Tehran resisted pressure to quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Coal’s continuing role and renewable growth
Analysts note that China is relatively insulated from rising oil prices, as coal accounts for more than half of its energy mix, it holds substantial oil stockpiles, and imports through the Strait of Hormuz account for only about 5% of total energy consumption.
“The path we took in leading wind and solar power development has proven forward-looking. At the same time, coal-fired power remains the backbone of our energy system and must continue to provide support,” Xi said.
China currently operates over half of the world’s coal-fired power capacity, making it the largest carbon emitter globally. While pursuing renewable energy, the country continues to rely on coal for system reliability and flexibility.
Xi stressed that, despite coal’s role, China — the world’s largest coal consumer — remains committed to clean, low-carbon development.
“A greener, diversified, and more resilient new energy system will strongly safeguard China’s energy security and economic growth,” CCTV reported.
Construction has recently started on the world’s largest hydropower dam on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. A solar thermal power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group at 4,550 metres in Tibet also began construction yesterday, according to Xinhua News Agency. — Reuters
