The US has escalated its military action against Iran and Venezuela, disrupting as much as 18% of China's oil imports and potentially eroding Beijing's control over the US economy. The US may need to maintain security in the Straits of Hormuz to keep the vital waterway open. The conflict has upended the energy and minerals balance between the world's two largest powers, exposing China's vulnerabilities and strengthening US leverage ahead of high-stakes negotiations. The expanded US deployments raise the risk of miscalculation with Iranian forces. The country may consider seizing Kharg Island, which accounts for virtually all of Iran's oil and gas exports, and potentially targeting the South Pars gas field, which provides the majority of Iranian energy. China's economic ties with Gulf producers, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, remain central to its long-term energy strategy.