China says US blockade of the Hormuz Strait risks escalating tensions in the Middle East

China said on April 14 that the United States’ blockade of Iran’s ports in the Hormuz Strait is a “dangerous and irresponsible” act that could heighten tensions in the region.

China warns blockade could undermine ceasefire

After the Hormuz Strait was blocked at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 13, China’s Foreign Ministry said the action—along with an increasing U.S. military presence—risks eroding the “fragile ceasefire” that has been in place.

At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said only a new, fully comprehensive ceasefire could help relieve tensions. Guo also said Beijing would make efforts to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

Strategic stakes for China and the U.S. rationale

China has “considerable stakes” in reopening the Hormuz Strait, as it is the largest crude oil importer from Iran. China said the U.S. blockade disrupts its oil supply and could have far-reaching effects on the world’s second-largest economy.

The blockade was ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump on March 12, one day after peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan ended without an agreement. In implementing the blockade, U.S. forces blocked ships from entering Iran’s ports, aiming to pressure Iran to reopen Hormuz.

Ceasefire fragility and calls for dialogue

Analysts said the move represents a sharp escalation in a military confrontation that has lasted more than six weeks, putting the two-week ceasefire announced on April 7 in a fragile state.

Guo said China believes “only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war” can conditions be created to relieve the situation at the Hormuz Strait.

He also called on all sides to observe the existing ceasefire, focus on dialogue and peaceful negotiation, and take practical steps to reduce tensions and restore normal traffic through the Hormuz Strait as soon as possible.

U.S. signals negotiations remain possible

U.S. developments suggest Washington remains open to negotiating with Iran after closing Hormuz. In an interview aired on Fox News on April 13, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the next step in peace talks depends on Iran, adding that “the ball is in Iran’s court.”

Vance said the U.S. has “put many options on the negotiating table” and suggested that if the “red lines” set for Iran’s nuclear ambitions are met, it “could be a very, very good deal for both countries.”

Separately, a Reuters-derived source said the United States and Iran could resume peace talks as early as this week. The two delegations would return to Islamabad at the end of the week to continue discussions on ending the war.

Oil prices fall amid hopes of an agreement

Oil prices continued to fall below $100 per barrel on hopes that Washington and Tehran would reach an agreement. Around 5 p.m. Vietnam time, WTI futures in New York were down more than 2% from the previous close, trading above $97 per barrel. Brent futures in New York traded near $99 per barrel.