US-Iran war 2026: How China made Strait of Hormuz oil blockade obsolete

In February 2026, a sudden conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran erupted, threatening the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most dangerous energy choke point. As shipping lanes froze and panic spread, oil prices skyrocketed by 60 per cent, crossing USD 100 a barrel. While much of the global economy was thrown into turmoil, one country stayed completely calm: China.