As the main geopolitical competitor of the United States, China appears in our news with some frequency. We learn China domestically produces and burns a lot of coal. It produces almost no petroleum, but imports and consumes quite a lot.
Current fighting in Iran compromises China's supply of imported oil, as much oil is shipped through the narrow Strait of Hormuz* which flows alongside Iran's western border. Ships passing through are within easy range of artillery or rocket fire, and the somewhat shallow waters also can be mined.
Separately, you'll also read that China is the world's leading producer of electric vehicles. I ask you to consider these two apparently separate factors are in fact quite related.
EVs are less practical than ICE vehicles but they do work for short haul transport. For longer trips China has electric rail, also coal-powered. China generates most of its electricity by burning coal.
If China can power much of its vehicle fleet using domestically mined coal instead of imported oil, they become less dependent on others. Autarky is attractive to China's leaders.
*As our cruise ship passed through en route to Dubai some years ago, I could clearly see both shores - each 6-10 miles away - the eastern shore being Iran.
