China is a winner from Hormuz energy crisis: report

China is a net winner from the Strait of Hormuz energy crisis, at least for now. This is according to new analysis by The Asia Group. Its chairman and co-founder, former deputy US secretary of state Kurt Campbell, tells CNN's Kristie Lu Stout: "China had taken the steps in advance to create buffers, to create diversification of a variety of energy sources, and to create holdings of capacity that would potentially come in handy in a crisis." At the same time, he warns that if the conflict continues, China and neighbors like Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan will be hurt, which gives Beijing quiet incentives to push for de‑escalation behind the scenes. He highlights how the turmoil accelerates global efforts to diversify away from petrochemicals toward green energy, an area where China is already the dominant player, making other countries watch its performance "with some degree of envy." Politically, Campbell argues China has played its hand carefully and discreetly, encouraging negotiations and positioning itself as a cautious interlocutor, and he expects Beijing to emerge from the crisis seen as a steadier player -- a perception he says may be a geopolitical reality, even if it runs counter to American strategic interests.