Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

In response to a question from a foreign journalist regarding whether China is in discussions with countries on fuel assistance, following Reuters' report this week that China is poised to extend its ban on refined fuel exports into April, though exemptions could be applied to small volumes bound for countries including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Vietnam in the region that have requested help, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that she would suggest contacting the relevant authorities for the specific question. The root cause of the current shortage in the global energy market is the tensions in the Middle East. The pressing priority is to immediately stop military operations and prevent greater impact on the global economy, Mao said.

Global Times