Beijing:On Wednesday, China called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz quickly and said the return of normal maritime movement was a matter of urgent concern to the international community. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during talks in Beijing that the world expected swift action to stabilise the key waterway.In a significant message to Tehran Wang hailed Iran's stance of not developing nuclear weapons. His comments come as Washington has been urging Iran to give up its stocks of enriched uranium and to agree to a 20-year freeze on nuclear weapon development. China respects Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, Wang said.
On his first visit to Beijing since the US-Iran war erupted in late February, Araghchi briefed Wang on a series of talks with Washington. He stressed that it was still a priority to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and reiterated Tehran’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and pursue diplomatic efforts for a lasting solution.
China warns against new hostilities in West AsiaWang said a comprehensive ceasefire was urgent and added that renewed conflict would be highly undesirable. He also urged regional states to take responsibility for their own future and called for a broader Gulf dialogue, including between Iran and its neighboring states, to establish a new regional framework balancing development and security.
Separately, the Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers discussed the regional crisis in a phone conversation. Both sides agreed that constructive diplomacy and cooperation were needed to prevent tensions from flaring up once again.
US pressure on IranAraghchi's visit comes days after the US announced an end to its large-scale military campaign against Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Operation Epic Fury has accomplished its objectives. Rubio also said he expected China to pass on Washington’s concerns to Araghchi, adding that Iran’s actions in the Strait were isolating the country.
China’s energy strains“The blockade is hurting China more than the US, because its giant export-driven economy is very dependent on the free flow of shipping through Hormuz,” Rubio said. Both Washington and Beijing want the conflict to end before President Donald Trump’s upcoming China visit and Beijing is thought to be pushing Tehran to reach a deal with Washington.
Beijing is also said to be supporting Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the US and Iran. China, a key energy partner of Iran and the biggest importer of Iranian crude oil, has repeatedly criticized Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports, which has added pressure on China’s energy supplies.