That's right, but China hasn't had to go to war, nor have they had the capability. That is changing quickly.
It will be very interesting to see how the dynamic changes in the middle east. The US has always maintained some level of stability in the middle east due to it's dependence on their oil. That is now changing. The US is quickly becoming energy independent. The US only imports about 15% of its oil from the gulf region.
The discoveries of American shale gas, Canadian oil sand and Brazilian oil beneath salt beds has made the Americas into the "new Middle East" of the 21st century. In the foreseeable future, it is entirely possible for North and South America to become energy self-sufficient. In other words, the Middle East will no longer be an indispensable source of oil to the United States...
America's role in the Arab is diminishing quickly, and I as an American couldn't be happier. Now it is China's turn to deal with them, as they get over half of their oil from the middle east.
Essentially, China will be the new US in regards to being dependent on Arab oil. All I can say is enjoy and good luck.......