My armchair hypothesis is that Chinese central planning allows them to off-set the burden of USD to large corporations(Sinopec,ICBC) and purchase cheap energy.

My armchair hypothesis is that Chinese central planning allows them to off-set the burden of USD to large corporations(Sinopec,ICBC) and purchase cheap energy. With current crude prices they can easily purchase large enough volumes to increase the price and hold on to a valuable commodity. America is for sale.