A new report from the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong highlights the growing importance of energy in China, particularly as it relates to the development of artificial intelligence. The study focuses on the increasing influence of Communist Party members with energy backgrounds, described as key decision-makers within the country. This rise in prominence is linked to the need to secure energy resources to fuel China’s AI ambitions. The analysis also considers the broader geopolitical context, implicitly referencing ongoing conflicts such as the situation in Iran and its potential impact on global energy markets. The full report will be available online from October 13 at cccw.hku.hk, providing further insight into this critical intersection of technology, politics, and energy security within China. The study underscores that energy is not merely an economic issue but a core component of strategic planning in China.