American naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, announced by President Donald Trump shortly after talks with Iran in Islamabad broke down over the weekend, went into effect on Monday, April 13.
The United States has announced that it will block ships that leave or enter Iranian ports.
The move comes after Iran effectively closed the narrow sea passage in response to US-Israeli airstrikes that began on February 28. This threatened the fragile two-week truce, and at the same time there was a further increase in already high oil prices, he estimates. Deutsche says.
The blockade of Iranian ships and oil will be strongly felt in Kini, the largest buyer of Iranian oil.
What does China say about the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz?
At a press conference on Tuesday 14 April, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry called the move "dangerous and irresponsible", warning that the blockade would "only worsen the confrontation, escalate tensions and undermine the fragile truce".
Speaking in Beijing on Monday during a meeting with officials from the United Arab Emirates, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said blocking the Strait of Hormuz "does not serve the common interests of the international community."
This strategic waterway, a critical artery for energy exports from the Middle East, usually carries about 20 percent of global oil supplies in normal times.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump wrote: "Other countries will be included in this blockade." He did not specify which countries he was referring to.
Chinese state media, however, rejected the claim. They claim that Washington "distorted logic by drawing more countries into the conflict, because the root cause of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz lies in the US-Israeli military action against Iran."
That wording is in line with a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who said at a regular press conference on Monday that disruptions to navigation in the strait stem from the conflict with Iran and that the solution lies in an immediate ceasefire.
Chinese state media described Washington's move as a "blockade in response to a blockade," comparing it to "the failed theft of a bicycle, to which another padlock is then added." So how does China interpret the US blockade – and who is Washington actually trying to pressure?
Photo: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, FileThe Strait of Hormuz
Pressure on China to intervene
In an interview with DW, Zhang Lun, a professor at CY Sergi-Paris University, described the US blockade as "retaliation in kind". He believes that Washington's move is also intended to "force China to take the stage."
Zhang explains that the White House could find a way out of the conflict — and save face — if it pressed Beijing to pressure Tehran to accept US terms.
Given Trump's transactional style, Zhang says that if China "gives Trump that win," Beijing would gain an advantage in future negotiations on issues such as Taiwan.
Zhang, however, does not believe that China will directly intervene in the war in the Middle East. Although blocking the Strait of Hormuz would affect Chinese interests, Beijing's most important strategic priority is to preserve a delicate balance by maintaining stable relations with all parties involved.
China's narrative: "Dignified exit" and "packaged victory"
Chinese state media, meanwhile, portrayed the US blockade as part of a "hegemonic logic" of resorting to force when negotiations fail.
According to that narrative, Washington is mobilizing militarily in the Middle East as part of preparations for an escalation of war, during pre-conflict negotiations and in the recent round of talks hosted by Pakistan.
Chinese media portray the US as "eager to exit with dignity" from the conflict, even resorting to "packaged victory" by claiming to have achieved its goals in Iran, including regime change and successful strikes on targets.
At the same time, the state media describes the Strait of Hormuz as a "fatal vulnerability" for the US: a failure in Iran, combined with the loss of control over the strait, rising oil prices and inflation, could have direct consequences for the Trump administration in the US elections in November.
High-stakes gambling
The official Chinese narrative interprets Iran's blockade of the strait as evidence that Tehran has "outsmarted" the US and Israel. From Iran's perspective, Washington's shift from issuing ultimatums to returning to the negotiating table is a reflection of its resilience and refusal to bow to American military pressure.
The US decision to block Iranian ports, meanwhile, is seen in China as an attempt to make up for insufficient leverage at the negotiating table after earlier military actions failed to force regime change, one of Trump's main goals in the early days of the war.
The argument for cutting off access to the strait is that it could deprive Tehran of key revenues, weakening its bargaining power and forcing it to reach a deal with Washington.
However, Chinese state media often describe the US blockade as a "gamble", arguing that while Washington wants to break the deadlock with maximum pressure, Iran's missile capabilities could trigger further escalation. Given that both sides are already in a state of military preparedness, a break in the negotiations would significantly increase the risk of a wider conflict.
Photo: AP Photo/Ng Han GuanMilitary parade in Beijing
Pressure on China's energy security with long-term consequences
Zhang told DW that Washington, in addition to responding to Israel's demands, and long-term tensions between the US and Iran, i.e. concerns over Iran's nuclear program, has another key factor, which is to control global energy resources, which Trump has repeatedly emphasized.
In this context, Zhang argues, there is a dimension of "broader strategic pressure" on China. The United States has already increased its influence on Venezuela, and if Iran also falls under US influence, and if Washington engages further with Russia - potentially through concessions related to Ukraine - this could significantly limit China's access to oil resources.
Despite Beijing's energy transition efforts, oil remains a critically important energy source.
As Iran's largest oil buyer and key partner, China reportedly cooperated with Iranian officials during last week's ceasefire talks and urged Tehran to accept terms brokered by Pakistan. It remains unclear, however, whether China would publicly assume the role of guarantor in any future agreement.
Military support or alternative "tools" of China?
US intelligence sources have claimed that China has provided or is preparing to provide weapons to Iran, according to a recent report by US CNN.
Trump has warned that Beijing could face new tariffs of up to 50 percent if it offers military support to Tehran. China's Foreign Ministry on Monday dismissed the accusations as "baseless slander".
Hu Xijin, a prominent Chinese media personality, posted a comment on the Chinese portal Phoenix.com, saying such claims were meant as "preemptive accusations" to deter China. He added that Beijing "still has many cards to play."
Zhang also notes that China still has additional tools, including rare earth exports. "If the United States militarizes the strait," he said, "China could militarize the rare earth elements."
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