China seeks to unblock shipping through the Strait of Hormuz
Mar 8th 2026
Beijing is dispatching a special envoy and urging open navigation after Iran-related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten routes that carry nearly half of China’s oil imports.
- China said it will send special envoy Zhai Jun to the Middle East to address disruptions to its shipping.
- Iranian threats in and around the Strait of Hormuz have paralysed much maritime traffic and explicitly targeted Western and Israeli cargo ships, increasing regional risk.
- About 45% of China’s oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, making Beijing highly exposed to any closure or blockade.
- China took over 80% of Iranian crude through smaller refineries that were harder to sanction, but current tensions threaten that supply link.
- Beijing is avoiding military involvement while pressing for navigation to remain open and maintaining ties with both Tehran and Gulf monarchies.