Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for the safe, unrestricted, and swift reopening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz on June 24, 2026 [1].
The demand comes as the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran remains a critical bottleneck for global trade. Any prolonged closure threatens the stability of international energy markets and the flow of industrial goods across the globe.
Wang Yi said the reopening is necessary to ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains [1]. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital international shipping lane, and Beijing has reiterated calls to maintain access to the region [3].
Reports on the extent of China's diplomatic involvement vary. An unnamed Chinese official said China is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for crude oil through the waterway [2]. However, other reports suggest Beijing has remained on the sidelines of the conflict, limiting its role to reiterating calls for the strait to remain open [3].
The Chinese government said that global trade must continue to flow without restriction to prevent broader economic disruption [1]. The push for safe passage reflects the high volume of energy imports that transit the region, making the strait a primary concern for Chinese economic security [2].
Wang Yi said, "We hope the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened as soon as possible to ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains" [1].
“"We hope the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened as soon as possible to ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains."”
China's intervention highlights its vulnerability to maritime disruptions in the Middle East. By balancing public calls for global stability with private negotiations for oil passage, Beijing is attempting to secure its energy interests without becoming fully entangled in the regional conflict.
