China Briefing 20 August 2026: Oil and gas plan | Xi on climate change | Coal five-year plan
In this issue, Carbon Brief examines China’s five-year plan for coal.
In an op-ed for Roll Call, Center Program Director Richard Nephew and Elizabeth Rosenberg of the Center for a New American Security argue that it is far preferable to conclude a deal with Iran that addresses enrichment concerns via direct diplomacy and that a move to sanctions measures could compromise any chance to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully. However, they note that since sanctions may be necessary if a deal is not reached, it is prudent for Congress and the Administration to initiate contingency planning on an effective strategy and legal authorities to respond in the event that Iran cannot conclude a deal or cheats after it is agreed.
By almost any measure, the world should be suffering a far more severe energy crisis.
The ongoing disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz has caused a substantial decline in China's crude oil imports.
The economic and humanitarian consequences of the June 24 twin earthquakes in Venezuela continue to emerge.