China pressuring Iran to keep Strait of Hormuz open: report

• Beijing is reportedly exerting intensive diplomatic pressure on Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, as the "de facto" closure—driven by IRGC threats and the withdrawal of maritime insurance—threatens over 65% of China's seaborne crude oil imports and critical LNG supplies from the Gulf.
• While China has officially condemned the US-led "Operation Epic Fury" as a violation of international law, it has prioritized global economic stability by urging an immediate ceasefire and safe passage for neutral tankers to prevent a catastrophic spike in global energy prices.

China has reportedly intensified diplomatic pressure on Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping.

The waterway, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, has come under threat following US and ‘Israeli’ strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to warn of potential closures and attacks on vessels.

Senior executives from Chinese state-owned gas companies, according to Bloomberg, said that Beijing is actively engaging Iranian officials to prevent disruptions to oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, particularly from Qatar and other Gulf suppliers.

The conflict erupted after coordinated US-‘Israeli’ military operations aimed at weakening Iran's leadership, with strikes targeting key infrastructure.

In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared the strait effectively closed, threatening to fire on any ships attempting passage.

This standoff has halted much of the commercial traffic through the strait, which handles approximately 20% of the world's oil supply and significant LNG volumes.

Analysts note that a prolonged blockade could exacerbate global energy volatility, driving up prices and straining supply chains.

China's intervention stems from its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports.

As the world's largest crude oil importer, Beijing sources over 65% of its seaborne crude from the region, including substantial volumes from Iran itself, accounting for about 13.4% of its total imports.

A disruption in Hormuz transit would directly impact China's energy security, potentially leading to shortages within months if unresolved.

Government officials have briefed energy firms on efforts to persuade Tehran to allow safe passage for tankers, emphasizing non-interference with neutral shipments.

Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have expressed "high concern" over the attacks, calling for an immediate ceasefire to avert further escalation.

Beijing has condemned the US-led operations as "unacceptable" and urged restraint from all parties to protect global economic stability.