Tag Energy security

Energy security is foreign policy by other means, and this tag follows it from the Strait of Hormuz to the pipelines of North America: the oil shocks, the OPEC defections, the strategic reserves, the nuclear reversals in Europe and the American exports that turned a crisis into leverage. The articles explain the geopolitics of energy and why a country that produces its own fuel negotiates from strength and never from fear.

Rows of huge white crude oil storage tanks at a Chinese coastal terminal, seen from above at dusk.

China’s Strategic Oil Reserves: Quiet Cut Prevented Oil from Reaching $200

China quietly cut oil imports by five million barrels a day after the Strait of Hormuz closed. The move absorbed most of Asia’s shortfall and kept prices from reaching $200. China oil reserves, estimated at 1,300 to 1,400 million barrels, proved far larger and more flexible than Western stockpiles. The United States released over 100 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve while Beijing conserved its buffer.

Kazakhstan Uranium: China Wins While America Forfeits

Kazakhstan produces 43% of the world's uranium — and China is locking it up fast. Beijing has signed $25,000 million in deals, is building Kazakhstan's nuclear plants, and controls key supply chains. America owns less than 1% of global uranium reserves. While Trump rebuilds U.S. nuclear power, China is already securing the fuel.