China Calls for Unimpeded Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
China has called for “unimpeded” navigation through the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. This call comes after US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the failure of peace negotiations between the US and Iran.
“The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and smooth flow is in the common interest of the international community,” said spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, as reported by AFP on Monday (13/4/2026).
During a press conference, Guo stated that Beijing hopes the US and Iran will not reignite war in the Middle East, following the failure of negotiations between Washington and Tehran held in Pakistan over the weekend to produce an agreement.
“China hopes that the relevant parties will abide by the temporary ceasefire agreement, continue to resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, avoid the re-ignition of war, and create conditions for the swift return of peace and tranquillity to the Gulf region,” Guo said.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the main routes for global oil and gas shipments, has been affected by the war between the US and Israel against Iran that has been raging since late February. Passage through this vital waterway has been effectively restricted by Tehran during the ongoing war.
On the other hand, Iran has allowed certain ships deemed related to friendly countries, such as China, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. There are even unconfirmed reports that Tehran plans to impose toll fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified after Trump ordered the US Navy to blockade it, angered by Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions following the failed peace talks in Pakistan.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, has announced that the blockade of all Iranian ports began on Monday (13/4) local time.
Iran’s military, in response, has condemned the US naval blockade as illegal and tantamount to piracy. Tehran has also warned that no ports in the Gulf region will be safe if Iran’s own ports are threatened.
Like China, Turkey has called for the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened “as soon as possible”. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking to Anadolu Agency, said that Ankara supports the peaceful reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated that the world desires free and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.