China's energy intensity decreased due to improved industrial efficiency, but high energy-consumption industries now drive intensity increase.
Energy intensity in China has changed over the years due to factors like energy efficiency and industry structure. From 1986 to 2002, improved energy efficiency in the second industry led to lower energy intensity. However, since 2003, the growth of high energy-consumption industries has increased energy intensity. To reduce energy intensity, China should limit high energy-consumption industries, improve industry structure, and enhance energy-saving technology in key industries.