** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise as much as 1.6% to hit their highest level since Nov. 26
** Sub-index on track for its seventh consecutive day of gains
** Oil prices rose as investors eyed a recovery in China's economy and fuel demand after President Xi Jinping's pledge to promote growth O/R
** Woodside Energy WDS.AX jumps 1.6% to highest since Dec. 4
** Santos shares STO.AX climbs 1.5% to highest since Nov. 26
** AXEJ clocked an 18.8% loss in 2024
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))