Energy is the "Achilles' heel" of the Chinese economy. To fuel its growth and military, China is obsessed with energy security:
China is rapidly expanding its maritime footprint to secure its status as a global superpower. This "Great Power" ambition rests on two pillars: a massive naval fleet and a secure flow of energy. ⚓ The Blue-Water Ambition China’s Quest for Great Power: Ships, Oil, and ...
Using economic ties to secure long-term oil and gas contracts. Energy is the "Achilles' heel" of the Chinese economy