Iran-China Diplomacy Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

In a critical diplomatic move, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited China, highlighting the strengthening ties between Beijing and Tehran. This visit comes on the eve of U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to meet China's President Xi Jinping, with discussions likely to focus on the turbulent Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting takes place amid rising tensions following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which triggered history's most severe oil supply shock, significantly impacting China's energy security. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged China to step up diplomatic efforts with Iran to maintain stability in the region.

As maritime blockades threaten the fragile U.S.-Iran truce, China's diplomatic engagement appears to seek a peaceful resolution. While Beijing has urged both the U.S. and Iran to maintain the ceasefire, it also firmly opposed U.S. sanctions on Chinese refineries, crucially defending its economic interests in Iranian oil.

(With inputs from agencies.)