China has urged Iran to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as concerns mount over energy supplies amid the ongoing United States blockade. The critical route underpins a significant share of global oil trade, and escalating tensions risk triggering wider disruption.
Beijing: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Iran to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling Beijing’s growing unease as pressure intensifies on the strategic waterway during Tehran’s standoff with Washington. In a telephone conversation on Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Wang sought firm assurances on the security of international shipping.
The outreach coincides with the arrival of a Pakistani mediation delegation in Tehran, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss fresh proposals for a second round of US-Iran talks expected to be held in Islamabad.
China, a key partner of Iran and its largest oil importer, is increasingly wary of the fallout from the US blockade. Restrictions have already disrupted the movement of vessels transporting oil and gas from Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor between Iran and Oman, handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, making it a vital global chokepoint.
Reopening and securing the strait remains a central demand of US President Donald Trump, who has also pressed for tighter curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang told Araghchi that the situation has reached a “decisive moment between conflict and peace”, with a potential opening for de-escalation.
Reports indicate that Tehran is looking to Beijing to play a more active diplomatic role in easing tensions. Araghchi has signalled Iran’s willingness to pursue a pragmatic resolution through dialogue.
The first round of US-Iran talks held in Islamabad over the weekend failed to produce a breakthrough, with disagreements persisting over the nuclear issue and maritime security. The subsequent US blockade has further heightened tensions.
China has strongly condemned the move, describing it as “dangerous and irresponsible” and warning that it could aggravate the situation and weaken an already fragile ceasefire.
