(Yicai Global) Oct. 14 -- China's crude oil imports rose during the first three quarters of this year. 

China imported 369 million  tons of crude over the nine months, up 9.7 percent from the same period  of last year, data released by the General Administration of Customs  show.

The country increased its  purchases of many other types of offshore resources too. Its imports of  natural gas climbed by 10 percent to 71.2 million tons. The nation  bought 6.8 percent more copper ore or copper concentrate at 16 million  tons. However, its imports of iron ore declined by 2.4 percent to 784  million tons.

Last month, China imported  41.2 million tons of crude and 8.2 million tons of natural gas. Its  iron ore tally was 99.4 million tons and that of copper ore was 1.6 million  tons.

Editor: Emmi Laine