China energy blueprint pushes independence as ‘opportunities’ with Russia grow

China is doubling down on self-reliance and import diversification to safeguard energy security in the latest blueprint for the sector, though closer cooperation with Russia is predicted following its invasion of Ukraine.

The country is in a “critical stage” of ensuring energy security as new and old risks become “intertwined”, according to the 14th five-year plan for 2021-25 that was published on Tuesday.