Nine To Noon Asia correspondent Ed White
Mar 12, 2026
Ed White, Asia correspondent for the Financial Times based in Shanghai, gives a concise picture of regional reactions. He discusses China’s careful diplomatic balancing and energy stockpile moves. He covers coordinated emergency measures in Northeast Asia. He sketches India’s pragmatic stance and the economic pressures rippling through Southeast Asia.
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China Walks A Diplomatic Tightrope Over Middle East
- China has publicly called for an immediate end to the military operation in Iran while avoiding strong criticism to preserve US ties ahead of a planned presidential visit.
- Beijing criticises conflict but acts as a cautious onlooker, keeping ties stable with the US and avoiding full-throated support for Iran despite long-term energy links.
China's Strategic Reserves Cushion Energy Shock
- China built large strategic stockpiles of oil, grains and fertiliser, estimated at roughly 1.1–1.4 billion barrels of oil (3–4 months' cover).
- Beijing has not yet drawn these reserves and is instead restricting refinery exports and likely buying more from partners like Russia.
Coordinate Regional Supply Sharing Now
- Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are coordinating emergency measures like sharing supplies and expanding state financing to avoid acute shortages.
- Taiwan is working with Japan and South Korea to juggle shipments and South Korea is easing financing and shipping routes.