hina is the coy recipient of another global gold – the top energy user in the world. It beats the United States, which has held the title for more than a century. It is not a title China wants and it disputes the figures.

But pick either figure – Beijing’s or the International Energy Agency’s – and the numbers are close, the trend obvious. The power in energy markets now lies with China. This has important geopolitical ramifications, particularly in Africa and the Middle East as China pushes harder, and with scant regard for international sanctions, to ensure reliable supplies.