China Expresses Concern Over Rising US-Iran Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

The Chinese government has expressed deep concern over the renewed escalation of tensions in the Gulf region. This escalation was triggered by the United States’ decision to reactivate a blockade on Iranian ports around the Strait of Hormuz. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that Beijing hopes all conflicting parties will exercise restraint. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the peace efforts previously pursued by the international community. “China is deeply concerned about the resumption of military conflict in the Gulf region,” Lin Jian stated during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (14/7/2026). Lin urged all involved parties to heed the international call for maintaining regional stability. This step is considered crucial to prevent the conflict from escalating into a wider and more destructive war. “Heed the strong call for peace and stability in the region, remain calm, exercise restraint, maintain the hard-won ceasefire, and avoid a return to war,” he added. Beyond political stability, China also highlighted the humanitarian aspect. Lin stressed that the US and Iran bear a significant responsibility to prevent the fighting from spreading to areas that could harm civilians. “More importantly, the US and Iran must prevent the battle from spreading and injuring more innocent people,” Lin asserted. Furthermore, Beijing believes that the rights and interests of coastal states along the Strait of Hormuz must be respected. This is closely linked to the smooth passage of international shipping, which serves as the lifeblood of global energy trade. “Respect for the legitimate rights and interests of the coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, and the resumption of normal and safe shipping passage in the strait, is what the international community wants to see,” he continued. The situation in the Gulf region has heated up again after previously calming down through a Memorandum of Understanding mediated by Pakistan and supported by Qatar. However, hopes for peace were dashed after US President Donald Trump declared on 8 July that the ceasefire had ended following the renewed outbreak of hostilities on the ground. This tension is a continuation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has been escalating since 28 February. Currently, mutual attacks are occurring again, including an increase in incidents targeting commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. China urged all parties to work together to find an appropriate diplomatic solution. “The relevant parties need to work in the same direction and see an appropriate resolution,” Lin concluded.