China is actively negotiating with Iran to secure safe transit for crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Three diplomatic sources told Reuters on Thursday that Beijing is urging Tehran to ease restrictions amid the intensifying U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, now in its sixth day, which has virtually shut down the vital chokepoint.
Diplomatic Push Amid Heavy Reliance China, Iran’s key economic partner and buyer of most of its oil, is displeased with Tehran’s actions paralyzing shipping.
The world’s second-largest economy sources about 45% of its crude imports via the Strait. Sources say China is pressing for exemptions, particularly for energy cargoes, to prevent further market chaos and protect its supplies.
Limited Transits and Market Strain Ship tracking data revealed one vessel, the Iron Maiden, passed after switching to “China-owner” signaling, but far more are needed to stabilize prices. Iran’s government has barred U.S., Israeli, European, and allied vessels, while allowing some Chinese or Iranian-owned ships selectively.
Traffic dropped sharply from an average 24 vessels daily to just four on March 1. Around 300 tankers remain trapped inside or outside the Strait, per Vortexa and Kpler data. Oil prices have risen over 15% since hostilities began on February 28, with attacks on Gulf facilities and ships fueling inflation fears globally.
The disruption cuts off roughly a fifth of world oil and LNG flows, heightening risks for Asian importers.