China called for preventing the expansion of regional confrontations and sparing the region from further escalation, demanding the restoration of normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, in light of the extension of tensions from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea.
During discussions held in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his country’s hope that tensions would not spread to Yemen and the Red Sea, calling on all parties to take practical steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Wang warned, according to what was reported by Reuters, that the continuation of hostilities does not serve the interests of the participating parties or the international community, and urged Tehran and Washington to exercise wisdom and restraint, stressing Beijing’s support for establishing a constructive dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and security between Iran and the Gulf states.
This Chinese initiative reflects Beijing’s continuing efforts to calm the situation and push for diplomatic solutions, based on its strong economic relations with Tehran and its being one of the largest importers of Iranian oil. These calls gain special importance in light of the continued shipping traffic in the Strait at very limited levels, despite US President Donald Trump’s assurances that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and under the control of American forces.
The Chinese moves come against the backdrop of the expansion of regional tension since last July to ravage the Yemeni arena, coinciding with the military escalation of the Houthi group against government forces and their advance towards the western coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which has raised widespread international concerns about the threat to navigation in one of the most important strategic sea lanes in the world.
