China Urges Strait of Hormuz Reopening
China's Foreign Minister urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during talks with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing.
Lauren Collins ·
China Urges Strait of Hormuz Reopening China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Beijing. The call emphasizes Beijing's concern over disrupted maritime navigation in the critical waterway, which has been largely impassable due to blockades imposed by Iran and the United States following recent hostilities. This diplomatic engagement precedes a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where the Strait's status is expected to be a key agenda item.
Wang Yi stressed that achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region is an urgent priority and reiterated China's readiness to facilitate de-escalation efforts. Beijing has consistently advocated for dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, a stance reinforced during this meeting. China, a significant importer of Iranian oil, imported 1.38 million barrels of crude per day from Iran in 2025, representing approximately 12% of its total crude oil imports, underscoring its economic interest in the Strait's stability.
The Chinese foreign minister also acknowledged Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons. The ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil shipments, have prompted international concern regarding secure navigation. China's diplomatic efforts aim to restore normalcy and security in the region, aligning with its broader objective of mediating regional stability without direct entanglement in the conflict.