Secret discussions between China and Iran regarding oil acquisition through Hormuz

Amidst the ongoing war situation involving Israel, America, and Iran, Reuters reports, citing anonymous sources, that discussions have begun between China and Iran regarding allowing oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Due to this military situation, which is now in its seventh day, hundreds of ships are stranded around this critical maritime region, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas needs are transported, leading to a rapid increase in global energy prices.

Although Reuters and Bloomberg reported that ship tracking data indicates a Chinese-flagged fuel tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, the BBC has not yet been able to independently confirm its route. Nevertheless, China is the primary buyer of Iranian crude oil, and disruptions to global energy supplies would severely impact its economy, thus Beijing has focused intensely on keeping this strait open.

In light of this crisis, China has strongly condemned the attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran as a violation of international law. This specifically includes the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. China urges the relevant parties to immediately cease military operations, enter into negotiations for crises including the nuclear issue, and respect Iran's sovereignty. During a phone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, China expressed its support for Iran and emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation. Furthermore, China has offered to act as a mediator, planning to send a special envoy to the Middle East to seek diplomatic solutions.

These discussions are observed not merely as the formation of a military alliance, but as a practical step aimed at energy security. So far, China has refrained from direct involvement in the war, providing Iran mainly with verbal and diplomatic support. Furthermore, given China's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil supplies, broader US-China political dynamics, including upcoming discussions between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, are expected to have a direct impact on this situation.