China is intensifying efforts to resolve the ongoing Iran conflict before US President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping on May 14-15. With the war in Iran stretching into its third month and the Strait of Hormuz largely impassable, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the waterway to be reopened ‘as soon as possible’ during talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi this week.
The meeting between Wang and Araghchi, marking the latter’s first visit to China since the conflict began 68 days ago, underscores Beijing’s urgency to de-escalate tensions. Wang emphasized that a lasting ceasefire is an ‘urgent priority’ and reiterated China’s readiness to mediate, while also expressing appreciation for Iran’s commitment against nuclear weapon development.
Beijing’s push comes as the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues, a move China has labeled ‘irresponsible and dangerous,’ risking the fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in April.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global oil shipments, remains a flashpoint. Commercial ships are avoiding the area due to threats of attacks and sea mines, exacerbating a global energy crisis that hits major crude importers like China, which sourced 1.38 million barrels per day from Iran in 2025, accounting for 12% of its total crude imports. The US blockade, coupled with Trump’s insistence on maintaining it as leverage over Tehran, has fueled Chinese concerns about prolonged fuel shortages if the standoff persists.
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Trump, seeking an exit from the conflict, temporarily paused ‘Project Freedom,’ a US operation to escort stranded ships through the strait, signaling a willingness to negotiate if Iran frees up the waterway. However, he warned of resuming bombings at a ‘much higher level and intensity’ if no agreement is reached, a threat posted on social media just days ago. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the conclusion of ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ stating military objectives were met but leaving the door open for peace.
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China’s strategic positioning is clear. By aligning with Iran through continued oil purchases, vetoing a UN Security Council resolution on April 7 to reopen the strait, and reportedly facilitating dual-use materials for Iran’s missile capabilities, Beijing is bolstering its influence. Analysts suggest China sees the war as a chance to weaken US standing in the region while securing postwar access to Iranian energy and trade channels.
With Trump’s visit looming—the first by a US president to China in nearly a decade—Beijing aims to control the agenda. If no resolution emerges before next Thursday, China could gain the upper hand in negotiations spanning not just the Iran conflict but also trade and security issues. The ceasefire, described as ‘tenuous at best’ by Erin Murphy of Redpoint Advisors, offers a narrow window for diplomacy.
The stakes are high as China navigates its role as a potential broker, building on past successes like the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement. Iran’s growing reliance on Beijing, especially with its economy and infrastructure battered by the war, positions China to shape the postwar landscape in the Gulf. As of now, 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian crude hang in the balance, a figure that underscores the urgency for Beijing as Trump’s plane prepares to land.
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