BEIJING — China on Monday signaled caution regarding US President Donald Trump’s plan to establish a global coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, calling instead for restraint and de-escalation amid escalating regional tensions.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told Anadolu on the sidelines of a press briefing that Beijing is urging all parties involved to halt military operations, avoid further escalation, and prevent regional turmoil that could adversely affect global economic growth.
“China is closely monitoring the situation and is engaged in talks with all parties to help de-escalate tensions,” Lin said, while declining to comment directly on Trump’s remarks suggesting he may postpone his planned visit to China at the end of March if Beijing does not cooperate with the initiative.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes, has been at the center of international concern since the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28. The strikes have targeted Iranian military and infrastructure facilities and reportedly killed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader, along with senior officials. The Iranian government has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, as well as neighboring Gulf countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where US military assets are stationed.
Trump, in recent statements to reporters aboard Air Force One, said he is coordinating with seven countries to establish a multinational security framework to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He specifically mentioned China, noting that the country imports approximately 90% of its oil via the strait, and questioned whether Beijing would participate in the proposed coalition.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump outlined his hopes that China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would deploy vessels to the strait to safeguard maritime traffic and prevent any further threats posed by regional adversaries. Trump also told the Financial Times that his scheduled visit to China could depend on whether Beijing agrees to join the initiative, adding a diplomatic dimension to the security discussions.
The joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran have already resulted in significant casualties. Iranian officials report that more than 1,348 people have been killed, including government and military personnel, and over 17,000 injured. Tehran maintains that its retaliatory strikes are aimed at US military assets and have deliberately targeted military infrastructure, though some attacks have affected civilian facilities in the Gulf region.
The closure or threat of closure of the Strait of Hormuz has heightened global concern due to its strategic importance in international oil markets. Before the escalation, approximately 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily. Disruptions to shipping and energy transport in the region have contributed to rising oil prices and uncertainty in global energy supplies.
Analysts note that China’s cautious stance reflects its strategic interest in maintaining stability in global energy markets while avoiding entanglement in direct military operations. Beijing has repeatedly emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to regional crises and has called on all parties to respect international law and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions.
As tensions in the Gulf continue, the international community remains focused on preventing further escalation. The situation highlights the delicate balance between regional security, energy stability, and the geopolitical interests of major powers, including the US and China, in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
