China Urges Reopening Of Strait Of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict/ Image @ BBC
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has called for the prompt reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, in Beijing.
The meeting on Wednesday marks Araqchi’s first visit to China since the onset of the Iran war.
Wang emphasized that achieving a durable ceasefire is an “urgent priority” and stressed the importance of continuing negotiations. He reiterated China’s willingness to assist in de-escalating tensions in the region.
The discussions come just one week ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the Iran war and the situation in the Strait are expected to be key topics.
”China firmly believes that establishing a comprehensive ceasefire is essential, while resuming hostilities would be highly undesirable,” Wang stated, according to reports from state media.
”Regarding the Strait, there is a shared concern within the international community about restoring safe and normal navigation. China hopes that all involved parties will heed the urgent calls from the global community,” he added.
Beijing has sought to mediate the conflict without becoming embroiled in it, repeatedly urging both the U.S. and Iran to engage in dialogue, an appeal, Wang reiterated during their meeting on Wednesday.
Wang also expressed appreciation for Iran’s commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, as reported by Chinese state media. Araqchi responded by affirming that cooperation between China and Iran would strengthen moving forward, according to Iranian media sources.
Both President Trump and Iranian officials have acknowledged China’s role in facilitating acceptance of a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire in April.
On Wednesday, Wang again highlighted the importance of ensuring safe passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, the Strait, a crucial maritime route for global oil transport, has been rendered largely impassable due to blockades enforced by both Iran and the U.S.
Beijing has criticized the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports as “irresponsible and dangerous,” warning that it could jeopardize the already fragile ceasefire agreement.
China remains a significant purchaser of Iranian oil, despite U.S. sanctions.
In 2025, China imported approximately 1.38 million barrels of crude oil per day from Iran, accounting for around 12% of its total crude imports, according to the Center on Global Energy Policy.
Despite its dependence on the Strait for oil supplies, President Trump noted this week that Xi has shown “great respect” toward U.S. interests.
”We haven’t faced any challenges from China,” he remarked, adding that Xi would not confront the U.S. “because of me.”
The forthcoming meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies was originally scheduled for March but was postponed following extensive strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
If it proceeds as planned next week, President Trump’s visit would mark the first time a U.S. president has traveled to China in nearly a decade.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong