China has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging it not to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime chokepoint that is vital to the global energy supply. Chinese officials highlighted that approximately 40% of China’s crude oil imports and about 20% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) flow through this strategic waterway .
The warning comes after Iran’s parliament voted in favor of a potential closure, though the final decision now rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council. Such a move would impact not only global markets but significantly harm China’s energy security. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Strait of Hormuz transports roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for about 25% of global seaborne oil trade and one-fifth of worldwide LNG shipments.
Analysts warn that even a temporary closure could spike oil prices—potentially pushing Brent crude beyond $100–$150 per barrel, further fueling global inflation. The British energy market could face an inflationary shock similar to the 2022 energy crisis, with household bills in the UK potentially tripling to £4,500 annually.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin noted that such a blockade would be “economic suicide” for Iran, as it would seriously undermine its own energy-dependent economy and damage relations with major partners like China.
In Washington, Senator Marco Rubio urged China to discourage Tehran from closing the strait, warning that such an escalation would warrant a robust international response.
The crisis has prompted proactive measures, including disruptions to maritime navigation systems at the Strait of Hormuz, affecting tankers—some operated by China—due to suspected electronic interference on the Iranian side.
China’s government has since emphasized the need for coordinated international efforts to preserve the strait’s openness and avoid triggering what could be an economic and geopolitical crisis .
