China is buying natural gas like there's still an energy crisis

China is on a natural gas shopping spree, and officials are happy for importers to keep striking deals even after a global energy crisis has eased.

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The government continues to back efforts by state-owned buyers to sign long-term contracts and even invest in export facilities, in order to bolster energy security through the middle of the century, according to people who have had meetings with policymakers.

The nation is on track to be the world's top importer of liquefied natural gas in 2023. And for the third straight year, Chinese companies are agreeing to buy more of it on a longterm basis than any single nation, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News.

China is looking well into the future to avoid a repeat of energy shortages, while also seeking to fuel economic growth.