BEIJING (Realist English). China produced a record 210 million tons of crude oil in the first quarter of 2025 — the highest ever for that period, according to Yahoo News, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China. Output rose 2.3% year-on-year, underscoring Beijing’s push for energy self-sufficiency.
The surge in production was driven by intensified development of key oilfields in Shaanxi province, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and offshore zones in the South China Sea. Analysts highlight significant expansions by state giants China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Sinopec as primary contributors.
Refining activity also showed resilience. From January to March, China processed 180 million tons of crude, marking a 3% increase over the same period in 2024. The rise reflects a rebound in domestic demand and growing fuel exports.
These gains align with Beijing’s long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on imported oil — particularly from geopolitically volatile regions. While China still imports large volumes from Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, its overall reliance on foreign supply — which exceeded 70% in 2022 — is gradually decreasing.
China’s drive to expand domestic oil production is not only an economic maneuver but a strategic hedge against future energy shocks. As the global market grows more fragmented and subject to sanctions and instability, Beijing is reinforcing control over critical resources. This trend enhances China’s resilience and reduces the leverage of U.S.-led alliances. In the long term, such a shift could reshape the power dynamics of the global oil market, particularly in Asia.
