How the Iran war set Beijing up for global clean energy dominance [View all]

(Sorry if this is a reposting ... I didn't see it anywhere)

April 19, 2026 4:00 pm CET
By Zia Weise and Sara Schonhardt
BRUSSELS — America’s allies, stung by soaring energy costs due to Washington’s attacks on Iran, are confronting an uncomfortable truth: The escape route from fossil fuel shocks leads straight into China’s arms.

From the European Union and the United Kingdom to South Korea and the Philippines, numerous countries have responded to the war-driven spike in oil and gas prices with calls to accelerate electrification and the rollout of clean energy infrastructure.
...
But there's also an obvious catch: The faster they move to decarbonize, the more they will have to rely on China to supply the necessary materials. After all, Beijing controls the overwhelming majority of the world’s clean technology and critical mineral supply.
...
The EU has long been cautious about hobbling its domestic industries by allowing in too many Chinese goods: The bloc’s carbon tax is aimed at protecting its industries from cheap emissions-intensive imports like those made in China. Meanwhile, the British government last month blocked a Chinese company from building a $2 billion wind turbine factory in Scotland over unspecified national security concerns.

At the same time, countries seeking to accelerate their green transition — U.S. allies included — have been looking to shore up relations with China.

https://www.politico.eu/article/how-the-iran-war-set-beijing-up-for-global-clean-energy-dominance/