China tells Iran: Open Hormuz, but softly

While China has started pressing Iran to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, its public statements remain carefully worded, experts say. This shows how the prolonged conflict is testing Beijing’s ties with Tehran. Last week, President Xi Jinping told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that China wants an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.” He also explicitly demanded the waterway “remain open to normal passage.” However, Xi did not name Iran or the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage. About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through it. Iran has threatened to block it in response to increased US pressure. Experts say China’s cautious language reflects a balancing act. Beijing depends on Iranian oil but also wants stable oil shipments from the Gulf. Openly criticizing Iran could harm that relationship, while ignoring the crisis could hurt China’s global image as a responsible power.