In response to the escalating global crises, energy experts in China are proposing the establishment of a subterranean infrastructure network that would serve to protect vital energy and defense facilities. Zhang Shishu, a leading expert from Power Construction Corporation of China, emphasizes the need to place critical infrastructures deep underground, where they would be less detectable and better shielded from potential threats. This calls for a strategic approach to embed facilities related to energy reserves and national security amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

According to Zhang, the western regions of China, including southwestern hydropower hubs and northwestern oil and gas fields, are prime locations for such underground developments. He suggests that these locations should be equipped with underground storage for essential resources like oil, natural gas, and rare metals, thereby ensuring the resilience of the country’s energy supply and defense capabilities. This initiative is not only seen as a precautionary measure but also as a means to secure long-term reserves against future crises.

The proposal has significant implications for China's national strategy, as it aligns with the country’s push for improved crisis management and resource security. By embedding critical facilities underground, China could enhance its response capacity during emergencies, reduce vulnerability to attacks, and reinforce its overall security posture in an increasingly challenging global environment.