China called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen “as soon as possible” during talks in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, as tensions between Iran and the United States continued to disrupt regional energy routes and global markets.
The meeting on Wednesday marked Araghchi’s first visit to China since the war began on February 28 and came one week before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Araghchi said Iran viewed China as a close partner and added that bilateral cooperation would strengthen under current circumstances.
He also said Tehran would continue negotiations with Washington while protecting its “legitimate rights and interests” and would only accept a “fair and comprehensive agreement.”
Wang stressed that achieving a lasting ceasefire was an “urgent priority” and warned that renewed hostilities would further destabilize the region.
China also reiterated calls for negotiations between Iran and the United States to continue and said secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remained a major international concern.
The waterway, which carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has faced severe disruption since the outbreak of the conflict after Iran effectively closed the strait and the United States imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports.
The crisis has contributed to higher fuel and fertilizer prices and increased fears of broader economic instability.
The United States has also sanctioned Chinese companies accused of purchasing Iranian oil, prompting Beijing to instruct Chinese firms not to comply with the measures.
The Beijing talks took place as Pakistan continued mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington following direct negotiations in Islamabad last month that ended without an agreement.
Key disputes remain over US demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment and Tehran’s insistence on maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also announced a temporary suspension of a US naval escort operation in the strait, saying progress had been made toward a potential agreement with Iran.
China has indicated it is prepared to help de-escalate tensions while maintaining ties with both Tehran and Washington ahead of next week’s summit between Trump and Xi.