Beijing, May 6
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, as growing international pressure mounts on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and move towards a resolution with the United States to end the ongoing conflict.
Araghchi’s visit comes days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Beijing from May 14 to 15 for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where trade and strategic issues are expected to be on the agenda.
According to official accounts, the two sides reviewed the situation arising from the US blockade of Iranian ports, which is aimed at pressuring Tehran to lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. China continues to maintain close ties with Iran and remains its largest crude oil buyer.
The meeting follows recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that major US military operations against Iran have concluded. He stated that “Operation Epic Fury” had achieved its objectives. Rubio also urged China to convey to Iran that its actions in the Strait are leading to global isolation.
He emphasized that reopening the Strait is essential, noting that it accounts for over 20% of global oil and gas supplies. He added that China’s economy is particularly affected by disruptions to the route, given its reliance on energy shipments passing through the waterway.
Both Beijing and Washington are seen as seeking to de-escalate tensions in West Asia ahead of upcoming high-level engagements. Reports indicate that China is also supporting diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and encouraging Iran to engage with the US to reach a settlement.
The developments highlight the growing diplomatic push to stabilize the region, with energy security and global trade flows emerging as key concerns as major powers continue to engage ahead of crucial bilateral talks.
