China Demands Iran Ensure Maritime Security in the Strait of Hormuz
This is reported by AgroReview
China has called on all parties involved in the conflict in Iran to guarantee the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This issue is critical for maintaining the stability of global energy trade, as this strategic route facilitates the supply of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf countries.
China’s Call and the Response of the Parties
“China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid escalating tensions, and ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
According to senior representatives from the gas sector, Beijing is exerting significant pressure on the Iranian authorities, insisting on avoiding actions that could disrupt energy supplies, particularly the export of Qatari gas through the Strait of Hormuz.
China is a key consumer of Iranian oil and also relies on imports of oil and liquefied natural gas from Qatar – both types of raw materials are transported via this route. However, the situation in the region remains tense after Qatar was forced to suspend liquefied gas production at the world’s largest export complex on March 2 due to an attack by two Iranian drones on a Qatar Energy facility.
The Impact of the Situation on the Global Market
Qatar ranks second in the world in liquefied natural gas exports after the United States and plays a key role in meeting the energy needs of markets in Asia and Europe. Asian consumers account for over 80% of the clients of the state company QatarEnergy.
As a result of the escalating situation and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, at least 150 tankers have been forced to anchor in open waters. Leading shipping companies such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and MSC are already redirecting their vessels through alternative routes following strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran and the closure of the strait. It has been reported that vessel traffic in the region has decreased by 86–90% compared to average levels.
On March 2, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, Ibrahim Jabari, announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iranian military forces would open fire on any vessel attempting to pass through this route.