> they know windpower and solar are not viable long term

That’s why they are installing it all over their country at the fastest pace of any country by far? That’s why they probably hit peak oil consumption?

The coal thing is complicated in China. They are replacing many old coal stations, local governments are fearful of being caught short in a cold winter which has happened. Rate of coal consumption increases is slowing. Peak coal may have happened last year.

https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-why-china-is-still-bu...

Hopefully this new info might help change your views.