China has attributed the growing disruptions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to what it described as an “illegal” joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling for urgent steps to de-escalate tensions and protect global shipping routes.
Speaking on Thursday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the instability in the waterway stems directly from recent military actions targeting Iran. According to her, these developments have heightened risks to international maritime trade and energy security.
“The root cause for disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is the illegal US-Israeli military operation against Iran,” Mao told reporters during a routine press briefing. She emphasized that China is deeply concerned about the safety of shipping lanes and the broader implications for the global economy.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints. A significant portion of global oil exports passes through the strait daily, making any disruption there a matter of international concern.
Mao’s remarks came in response to comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who had downplayed the importance of the waterway to the United States. Trump stated that the US imports “almost no oil” through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that other nations relying on the route should take responsibility for its security.
“And the countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage. They must cherish it. They must grab it and cherish it,” Trump said during his remarks. He further suggested that nations unable to secure their energy supplies independently should consider purchasing oil from the United States or take stronger action to assert control over the route.
China, however, rejected this position, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz is a shared international waterway whose security requires cooperation rather than unilateral action or military escalation. As one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, China relies heavily on energy supplies from the Middle East, much of which transits through the strait.
According to Chinese officials, three Chinese vessels recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident. However, the situation remains tense, as Iran has reportedly maintained effective control over the passage following the escalation of hostilities.
The current crisis traces back to a joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The operation, which targeted key Iranian facilities and leadership structures, resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that more than 1,340 people were killed in the strikes, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The killing of such a high-ranking figure marked a dramatic escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and its adversaries, triggering a swift and forceful response from Tehran. In the weeks that followed, Iran launched a series of retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting multiple locations across the Middle East.
Among the countries affected were Israel, Jordan, and Iraq, as well as several Gulf states hosting US military installations. These attacks caused casualties, damaged critical infrastructure, and significantly disrupted regional stability. Aviation routes were also affected, with several airlines rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones.
The ongoing conflict has also impacted global markets, particularly in the energy sector. Oil prices have experienced volatility amid fears of supply disruptions, while shipping companies have faced increased insurance costs and operational risks in navigating the region.
In addition to regional casualties, the United States has also suffered losses. At least 13 US servicemen have reportedly been killed since the conflict began, with dozens more injured. The mounting human and material costs have intensified calls from the international community for restraint and dialogue.
Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz has added another layer of complexity to the crisis. Tehran has indicated that it is allowing passage to vessels from countries it considers “friendly,” while maintaining a firm grip on the strategic waterway. This selective access has raised concerns about the potential for further disruptions and the politicization of maritime navigation.
China, for its part, has called on all parties involved to prioritize diplomatic solutions and avoid actions that could further escalate the situation. Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s position that stability in the Middle East is essential not only for regional peace but also for the health of the global economy.
“We urge relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint, return to dialogue, and avoid further actions that may escalate tensions,” she said.
Analysts note that China’s stance reflects its broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes non-interference and multilateral cooperation. At the same time, Beijing’s significant economic interests in the region—particularly its dependence on Middle Eastern oil—make it especially sensitive to disruptions in key transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight. As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, aware that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for global trade, energy supplies, and geopolitical stability.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains both a vital lifeline for global energy and a flashpoint in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
