China offers a viable path out of the Middle East's security predicament
With a focus on long-term peace and stability in the region, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point proposal for building a new security architecture in the Middle East.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has forecast that global coal demand is set to increase by 1.2% in 2026, reaching a record 8.94 billion tonnes. This surge is attributed to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Iran war began.
The IEA notes that the price hikes have led to higher electricity generation from coal in countries with gas-fired power fleets and excess coal capacity. Demand for coal has been higher than expected in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, and other markets.
Initially, the IEA had projected a slight decline in global coal demand this year. However, there is uncertainty about demand next year, as it hinges on the recovery of shipping traffic through Hormuz. If traffic returns to normal, coal demand could decrease in 2027. Conversely, if the strait remains largely closed to LNG shipments, coal demand might continue to rise further, according to the IEA.
On the production front, global coal output is anticipated to decline this year. Nevertheless, it is expected to stay above 9 billion tonnes for the third consecutive year. China, the world's largest coal producer, has seen a dip in output due to safety inspections following a major mine accident in May. This incident has significantly reduced coal production in the country.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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