Beijing has urged the international community to step up diplomatic efforts to prevent the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a measure proposed by the Iranian parliament that, if implemented, would have a devastating impact on global oil and gas trade.
The Chinese government has expressed this Monday the need to “intensify efforts” to mitigate a possible negative impact on the global economy, following the proposal by Iran's parliament to close the strategic Strait of HormuzThis maritime route is vital, as approximately 20% of the oil and gas exported by sea globally transits through it.
Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stressed the importance of regional stability at a press conference: “Maintaining security and stability in the region is in the common interest of the international community. The Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters are important channels for international trade in goods and energy. China urges the international community to intensify efforts to promote conflict de-escalation.”.
Beijing's warning comes amid rising tensions, following recent US airstrikes against nuclear facilities in Iran and the Iranian parliament's call to shut down Hormuz, a measure that still requires approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council. It is noteworthy that China, in collaboration with Russia and Pakistan, has submitted a resolution to the UN Security Council demanding “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” between Iran, Israel and the United States.
The US pressures China to intervene against Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly urged China to intervene with Tehran to prevent the closure of the strait. "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them on this, because they depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil.", Rubio said on Fox News.
Rubio warned that such action would be “an economic suicide” for Iran and would have serious consequences worldwide: “If they do this, it will be another terrible mistake. It's economic suicide for them. It would damage other economies more than ours. We have devastating responses available. What happens from now on depends on what they do.”The United States has not ruled out a military response if freedom of navigation in Hormuz is threatened.
Global context and risks
The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime route of critical importance, especially for China, the world's largest oil importer and a strategic partner of Iran. During the first quarter of 2025, approximately half of China's crude oil imports transited through this passage. Other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates also depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil exports, highlighting the international scope of this crisis. The international community is closely monitoring developments, given the threat of an escalation that could severely impact global energy supplies and economic stability.
