US-China Tensions Over Oil Supply During Middle East Conflict

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of stockpiling crude oil during the US-Israeli war on Iran, claiming this undermines global energy security. However, import and inventory data indicate Beijing is actually experiencing supply pressures as the conflict continues. Bessent also criticized China for restricting exports of certain goods during the crisis. In response, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu attributed global energy market turmoil to Middle East tensions and called for an immediate halt to military operations, stating China plays a constructive role in seeking conflict resolution. Professor Cui Shoujun of Renmin University defended China's energy security measures as rational under current circumstances and a matter of fair trade. US Central Command announced on Wednesday that a blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented, completely halting maritime economic trade in and out of Iran as US forces maintain regional maritime superiority.