China has long prepared for energy disruptions, and the Middle East conflict is testing that strategy.

Beijing has built up oil stockpiles of over 1.2 billion barrels, expanded domestic production, promoted electric vehicles, and strengthened ties with Russia, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Insulating China from energy shocks has been a priority for leader Xi Jinping. Core elements of its strategy include ramping up the use of electric vehicles to replace gas-guzzlers while simultaneously pumping more crude from inside China’s borders. A deepening energy partnership with Russia, meanwhile, has helped curtail Beijing’s reliance on the Middle East.

These measures buffer the economy against short-term supply shocks and reinforce China’s push for energy independence.