China’s Strait of Hormuz Oil Security and Escalation Playbook

China faces a roughly 4–5 million barrels per day crude oil deficit due to Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure and U.S. counter-blockade. The Ukrainian DeepStrike attacks on Russian infrastructure exacerbate supply pressure. China's oil stockpiles cover approximately 60-90 days of imports. Beijing is considering a 'do less, harder' posture, including restraint, supply diversification, and hardening Russian energy infrastructure to avoid a U.S.-China military conflict.