Posted: May 6, 2026 – New York Time
China Urges Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz, Pushes for End to Conflict
China is increasing its diplomatic role in the Middle East crisis as Foreign Minister Wang Yi directly called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pushed for negotiations to end the conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
According to the state news agency Xinhua, the meeting took place in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on May 6. During the exchange, the Chinese side emphasized the need to restore peace and ensure safe maritime operations in one of the world's most critical straits.
Wang Yi stated:
“China believes that a comprehensive end to military actions should not be delayed. The resurgence of conflict is even more undesirable, and maintaining dialogue is particularly important.”
The Chinese Foreign Minister also emphasized that diplomatic efforts should focus on “restoring normal and safe circulation” in the Strait of Hormuz.
Beijing's move comes as hundreds of commercial vessels remain trapped in the Gulf due to a blockade related to Iran and military control operations by the U.S. around the Hormuz region.
According to the New York Times, China previously exerted significant influence on Tehran when pushing Iran to accept a ceasefire agreement with the U.S. last month. Beijing is currently seen as Iran's largest trading partner and plays a vital role in Tehran's strategic calculations.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called on China to pressure Iran.
“I hope China will tell Iran what they need to hear — that what is happening in the strait is leaving Iran globally isolated,” Mr. Rubio said on May 5.
The Iranian side agreed on the need to restore regional stability but continued to assert that Tehran's actions were “self-defense” against what it called “aggression from the U.S. and Israel.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran “remains ready to confront any acts of aggression” but is also “serious about diplomacy.”
Currently, Beijing still avoids directly holding Iran responsible for the ongoing energy crisis and global shipping disruptions occurring around the Strait of Hormuz.
