China defends Iran

The statement was announced by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. “Energy security is crucial to the global economy. We call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities to avoid escalation and to maintain the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Furthermore, China condemned the use of force without a United Nations Security Council mandate and emphasized that the dispute should be resolved through diplomatic means. On Monday, March 2, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. China expressed its support for Iran’s sovereignty but at the same time called for consideration of the “legitimate concerns of neighboring countries.” This statement refers to other Arab states responsible for global oil trade, which Iran attacked in retaliation for strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is currently blocked, affecting the budgets of many countries, including Iran. China’s concerns about the strait’s capacity are fully justified. Approximately 90 percent of the crude oil imported by China is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade poses a threat to China’s energy security.