Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing at a time when the United States is blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which China imports approximately one-third of its oil supplies. Lavrov was accorded a red-carpet welcome on Tuesday, as evidenced by photographs shared by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both Beijing and Moscow have condemned the US and Israel for their actions in the conflict with Iran, a situation that has also economically impacted China due to the ensuing energy crisis. China, a significant importer of Iranian oil, has sharply criticized a recently implemented US plan to blockade vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, encompassing the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. “The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community,” stated Guo Jiakun, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday.
Alan Fisher of Al Jazeera, reporting from Washington, DC, noted that the US objective is to economically cripple Iran by obstructing all maritime traffic to and from its ports. “The US hopes this will generate pressure on Iran from its key business partners, including China,” Fisher explained, highlighting that Beijing imports roughly a third of its oil from Iran. “The United States is banking on pressure on China translating into Chinese pressure on Iran, compelling Tehran to return to the negotiating table.”
On Monday, Lavrov engaged in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The senior Russian diplomat emphasized to Araghchi the importance of preventing any resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and affirmed Russia’s readiness to assist in a settlement, as per a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. “Sergey Lavrov underscored the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and reiterated Russia’s steadfast readiness to aid in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution,” the ministry added. The ministry further noted that Araghchi informed Lavrov about the details of US-Iran talks held in Pakistan over the weekend, which ultimately failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Beijing and Moscow share a close economic and political partnership, a relationship that has intensified significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also spoke with Lavrov on April 5, during which they concurred that Beijing and Moscow would collaborate to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Beijing has been a hub of diplomatic activity this week, welcoming several leaders from countries impacted by the conflict and its economic repercussions, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ). Chinese President Xi Jinping met with MBZ and Sanchez on Tuesday morning, and Vietnamese President To Lam is anticipated to visit China for a four-day trip.
“Many observers worldwide have expressed surprise that China has not taken a more active role in the Iran conflict, considering its strong ties with Tehran, including its position as Iran’s largest trading partner and crude oil buyer,” noted Katrina Yu of Al Jazeera, reporting from Beijing. “However, beyond advocating for restraint and negotiation, China has been leveraging this period to engage with states that may be somewhat disillusioned with the US or seeking to diversify their reliance on Washington,” Yu added. “China has positioned itself as an alternative to Washington – a reliable, stable, and predictable partner. This message resonates with many nations.”
Amidst the diplomatic flurry, new tensions involving former US President Donald Trump have emerged. Trump, who is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with Xi, stated on Sunday that he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods if China provided military assistance to Tehran. His remarks followed a CNN report on the same day, which, citing three individuals familiar with the assessments, indicated that US intelligence suggested China was preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within weeks. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed these reports as “completely fabricated.” “If the US insists on using this as an excuse to impose additional tariffs on China, China will certainly take resolute countermeasures,” he asserted.
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