[eruleman]

China imports over 80% of its oil — it does not have the resources to be a deep-water navigation power.

[spywaregorilla]

https://www.worldometers.info/oil/china-oil/#oil-reserves https://www.worldometers.info/oil/us-oil/#oil-reserves

Looks like the US and China import about the same quantity of oil. That doesn't contradict what you said, but I think it does diminish its significance.

[giantrobot]

Importing oil doesn't necessarily say anything about use. The US imports a lot of oil to refine and then export as petroleum products. Countries don't just burn crude oil in a giant bucket to keep warm.

[prewett]

That seems like a compelling reason for China to become a deep-water power (if it is not already): protect its oil-shipping interests.