>...while the US digs in it's heels is infuriating.

And we shouldn't imply that this policy represents any sort of national consensus -- it's pure corruption plain and simple.

It's also sabotage of all domestic manufacturing.

The price of energy sets a floor on the price of all manufactured goods. By kneecapping the cheapest sources of energy, the regime kneecaps all domestic manufacturers.

China's aggressive buildout of cost effective energy production isn't because they're 'woke,' it's because it makes them more competitive. Every product they export at low prices is in part due to the their extremely cheap energy.

It's like the regime looked at the UK's collapsing manufacturing industry due to their high energy costs and said "I want that for us!"

Corruption that concentrates on one party whether that party is in or out of power, too.