China Urges Reopening of Strait of Hormuz During High-Level Talks with Iran's Abbas Araghchi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, urging both Iran and the US to remain rational, exercise restraint, and return to dialogue.

During the discussions in the Chinese capital, Mr Wang called on Tehran and Washington to engage in substantive consultations regarding issues of mutual concern and pressed all involved parties to implement effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Mr Wang expressed that Beijing hopes to prevent regional tensions from spilling over further into Yemen and the Red Sea, emphasizing that China's policy toward Iran remains consistent and that Beijing is eager to enhance communication and coordination with Tehran.

Shipping data highlighted a severe decline in maritime traffic through the vital waterway. Before the regional war began on February 28, the strait typically handled about 125 large commercial vessels daily, carrying a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. However, preliminary shipping data showed that only four vessels transited the strait on Tuesday, dropping from seven the day before and falling far below the 10-day average of 18.

This drop in traffic follows intensifying regional attacks. The Tuesday total included two ships exiting and two entering. In comparison, 22 ships sailed through the Bab Al Mandeb strait on Tuesday, following 24 transits the previous day, though figures exclude vessels that switched off transponders to avoid detection.

Iranian state news agency Irna reported that Mr Araghchi arrived in Beijing in the morning leading a diplomatic delegation to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues. The two ministers previously met last week on the sidelines of the Brics summit in New Delhi.

As one of Iran's largest economic partners, China purchases a significant share of Iranian oil exports. This Wednesday meeting marked their second in-person talks in Beijing since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, following a previous meeting in May when the Chinese minister called for a complete cessation of hostilities in the Gulf.

According to Iranian state media, Mr Wang stated that China firmly supports Iran's sovereignty, security, and national dignity, describing the June 17 framework for further talks between Iran and the US as a valuable achievement resulting from mediated efforts. He added that once opened, the door to dialogue must not be closed.

The meeting also precedes an upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, following their previous meeting in May.