Middle East Crisis Provides Momentum for China-ASEAN to Strengthen Energy Transition Cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, stated that the current energy crisis, triggered by the war in the Middle East, could serve as momentum for China and ASEAN to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy transition.
Ambassador Wang noted that China’s 15th Five-Year Development Plan, recently established for the period 2026-2030, emphasises green energy transition as one of the national development focuses.
“I believe this provides new opportunities for cooperation between China and ASEAN,” said Ambassador Wang during a meeting and dialogue with media and think tanks in Jakarta on Thursday.
The impact of the de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, amid the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, has shaken the world as the oil and gas supply chain from the Gulf region has nearly come to a complete halt. According to Wang, China is not spared from these impacts.
“Currently, more than 50 percent of the electricity supplied to users in our country already comes from renewable sources,” said Ambassador Wang.
He mentioned that one aspect of energy that could be collaborated on with ASEAN is the development of better energy storage systems, as one issue in utilising environmentally friendly energy is supply stability.
Wang also expressed China’s openness to collaborating with ASEAN countries in ensuring that renewable energy supplies become more stable and reliable, at more affordable prices acceptable to industry.
The emergency declaration signed on Tuesday (24/3) by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. provides the basis for activating a national response to restore energy supply stability and prevent economic impacts from rising fuel prices in the Philippines.
When the Philippines declared an energy emergency, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), on Wednesday (25/3), conveyed that Indonesia’s energy supply conditions are safe, both for fuel oil (BBM) and LPG.