China Urges Normal Hormuz Passage as Trump Reinstates Blockade

China called for restoring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible after President Donald Trump reinstated the US blockade of Iranian ships transiting through the vital waterway.

(Bloomberg) — China called for restoring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible after President Donald Trump reinstated the US blockade of Iranian ships transiting through the vital waterway. “China is deeply concerned about the renewed military conflict in the Gulf region,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, when asked if Beijing is ready to take steps to mitigate the impact of the blockade. “China calls on relevant parties to heed the strong international and regional calls for peace and stability, exercise rationality and restraint, safeguard the hard-won ceasefire, and prevent the resumption of hostilities,” the Chinese official added.

The Central Command said American forces will restart the blockade on Tuesday at 4 p.m. New York time, escalating a dispute between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway that carries about a fifth of global oil shipments. Trump also demanded a 20% reimbursement for all other cargo shipped through. China didn’t indicate it would take any steps to intervene.

Its Foreign Ministry said that “respecting the legitimate rights and interests of the coastal countries of the Strait of Hormuz and restoring normal and safe passage through the strait as soon as possible are the common aspirations of the international community.” “All relevant parties should work in the same direction and handle the matter properly,” Lin said. As the world’s largest oil and gas importer, China is among the countries most exposed to tensions in the Middle East.

Beijing has consistently maintained that commercial shipping through Hormuz should remain unobstructed. Yet it has largely stayed on the sidelines of the conflict, urging restraint while limiting its diplomatic engagement to multilateral channels and support through partners including Pakistan. Iran’s ambassador to Beijing nevertheless suggested earlier this month that China and other friendly nations will be granted “special considerations” when Tehran determines the level and nature of service fees charged to ships using the Strait of Hormuz.

China “needs to prepare for the long term” as the Middle East conflict threatens the global economy, China’s energy imports, and supply chains, said Wang Yiwei, a former Chinese diplomat and director of Renmin University’s Institute of International Affairs. Other major Asian energy importers are also closely monitoring developments. Japan, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, voiced concern over the renewed conflict.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo was “deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation,” including Iran’s attacks on civilian vessels, but cautioned that the situation remained fluid. South Korea said it remains in close contact with Washington after Trump demanded a 20% reimbursement on cargo transiting Hormuz. “Our government hopes for the speedy restoration of safe and free passage of all vessels, including our own, through the strait,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il said at a separate briefing.

—With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi and Yoshiaki Nohara.