China sharply increased its oil imports in the first two months of the year, boosting purchases by 15.8 percent compared with the same period last year, as it moved to strengthen its energy security before war broke out in Iran. The buying spree is part of a broader effort by Beijing to build up its strategic petroleum reserves amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The stockpiling comes as leadership changes in Venezuela and Iran, two major discounted oil suppliers to China, cast uncertainty over existing supply arrangements. At the same time, fighting in Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil flows. About half of China's seaborne crude imports come from the Middle East.

Analysts say the reserves, now estimated at roughly 1.2 billion barrels or about 115 days of seaborne crude imports, give China a cushion against supply shocks. Officials have indicated they are prepared to take further steps to safeguard energy security, including adjusting refinery activity or releasing reserves if necessary.

The surge in oil imports also contributed to a broader jump in trade activity at the start of the year, with overall imports and exports rising strongly compared with last year.