China's Emissions Decrease Amid Iran Conflict, Signaling Potential Decarbonization Shift > 월드뉴스

China's carbon dioxide emissions fell by 1% following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, driven by a significant reduction in oil consumption and a rise in the use of electric vehicles and public transport, according to a recent analysis. The report highlights the impact of clean energy in mitigating price shocks from the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected the world’s largest oil importer.

The analysis indicates that China, the leading emitter of greenhouse gases, managed to increase overall transportation usage while cutting oil imports by 32%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics and analyzed by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. This reduction, equivalent to approximately one million barrels per day, helped stabilize global oil prices, which surged by about 60% following initial US airstrikes in late February.

The report suggests that two-thirds of the decline in imports stemmed from depleting strategic oil reserves, with the remaining third attributed to decreased demand. China's overall oil use fell by 9%, with a 16% drop in the transportation sector. The shift saw a decrease in petrol and diesel vehicles on the roads, while journeys by electric cars, buses, trains, and trucks increased.

This trend towards electrification was already underway before the crisis, as China is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. The disruption of oil supplies from the Gulf has reinforced the need to reduce reliance on petroleum. In the first half of 2026, China's transition to electric vehicles displaced oil consumption equivalent to that of the entire UK over six months.

Analysts believe that much of the reduced demand for oil may persist even if prices fall. Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, noted that this marks the first instance of a decline in China's overall emissions due to reduced oil use rather than coal consumption. Despite an increase in coal generation during the quarter, observers remain optimistic about the long-term trajectory of decarbonization in China.