China struggles to secure energy supplies as Iranian forces blockade the Strait of Hormuz, impacting its oil imports and global trade.
China is struggling to secure its energy supplies as Iranian forces impose an effective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, reports Le Monde of Paris.
The strategic corridor carries nearly half of Beijing's oil imports, leaving the world's second-largest economy exposed to the Gulf conflict.
Iran's move to restrict traffic through the strait follows weeks of increased oil exports aimed at building reserves before war broke out. Washington has reinforced its military presence, while Tehran now risks losing its main customer. China had absorbed more than 80 percent of Iranian crude through smaller refineries less vulnerable to US sanctions.
Beijing announced it would dispatch its Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, though it did not specify which capitals he would visit. China avoids military alliances but maintains ties with both Tehran and Gulf monarchies. Officials in Beijing voiced frustration at being drawn into a crisis that highlights the country's reliance on global trade.
While Iran has threatened Western and Israeli cargo ships, it has not directly targeted Chinese vessels. However, the risk of escalation remains high, with Chinese-managed ships attempting to leave the Gulf under visible national identification.
