Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Stating that it is communicating “with all parties,” China said on Thursday that the key Strait of Hormuz was closed to an “illegal action” by the United States and Israel, the media reported.
China has been the largest buyer of Iranian oil, importing an estimated 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd) as of early 2026. This accounts for over 80 percent of Iran’s total exported oil. This import is around 13 percent of China’s total seaborne crude oil imports.
The closure of the key Strait of Hormuz is likely to create an oil problem for China as well once its reserves are exhausted.
Ever since the US and Israel started the war on February 28 by air-striking Iran since February 28, China has been virtually silent and isolated, even sidelined. It only issued a rather vague statement condemning the aggressors and the attacks and counter-attacks in West Asia.
Interestingly, China played a crucial role in the reconciliation, and the peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March 2023,
But this week, Beijing became more active with the arrival of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar after his failed attempt to create a four-nation group (with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia) to ‘mediate’ between the US and Iran.
Ever since US President Donald Trump wooed Pakistan back into the American camp since last year, China has carefully kept Islamabad at bay.
Referring to Dar’s Beijing visit, it said China and Pakistan agreed this week to promote a five-point proposal, which includes calls to start peace talks as soon as possible and to guarantee the safety of navigation through the “Strait of Hormuz.
“We believe that an early ceasefire and restoration of peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters is a common aspiration of the international community.”
It said China is in communication “with all parties” about the need to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, and that everyone should work toward that end.
“We believe that an early ceasefire and restoration of peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters is a common aspiration of the international community, and all sides should work towards this end,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Mao said that “the root cause of the disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz lies in the illegal military actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran,” and said the way to restore safety in the area is to end the hostilities.
“Military means cannot fundamentally resolve the issue, and an escalation of the conflict is not in the interest of any party,” she said.
China and Pakistan agreed this week to promote a five-point proposal, which includes calls to start peace talks as soon as possible and to guarantee the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
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