China's Energy Supply Depends on One Risky Shipping Route

Half of China's oil and a third of its natural gas come from the Middle East, all passing through the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway moving 20 million barrels daily. If blocked, Chinese buyers would scramble to buy elsewhere, sending global fuel and shipping prices soaring. Markets are already bracing for this possibility, though a closure isn't expected soon. Energy traders and importers face higher costs regardless.