Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened “as soon as possible” during high-level diplomatic talks with his Iranian counterpart in the Chinese capital.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, marked the first visit to China by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi since the commencement of the war involving Iran and a US-Israeli coalition.
During the discussions, Wang emphasised that achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire remains an “urgent priority” for the region, noting that Beijing is prepared to assist in de-escalating current tensions.
The Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted the international community’s shared concern regarding the restoration of secure and normal navigation through the Strait.
“China hopes relevant parties will respond as soon as possible to the strong call from the international community,” Wang stated, according to state media reports.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global artery for oil transport, has been rendered largely impassable due to blockades imposed by both the United States and Iran.
Beijing has specifically criticised the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as “irresponsible and dangerous,” arguing that such actions threaten the stability of the fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan in April.
China remains a significant stakeholder in the region’s stability as a major consumer of Iranian energy.
In 2025, China imported approximately 1.38 million barrels of crude oil per day from Iran—representing roughly 12% of its total crude imports – despite US sanctions.
During the talks, Aragchi expressed that cooperation between Tehran and Beijing would continue to strengthen. Wang also noted China’s appreciation for Iran’s commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons.
These diplomatic exchanges occur just one week before a scheduled summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The two leaders are expected to discuss the conflict in Iran and the reopening of the strategic waterway.
Speaking at the White House this week, President Trump remarked that President Xi has been “very respectful” regarding the situation and suggested that China would not challenge the US position.
The upcoming visit by Trump, which was previously postponed following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, would represent the first trip to China by a US president in nearly a decade.
