China Iran Hormuz Talks: Beijing Seeks Safe Passage for Oil and Gas Ships

China Iran Hormuz talks have started as Beijing discusses with Tehran the safe passage of oil and gas ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks come as the ongoing conflict in the region continues to affect global energy supplies.

According to diplomatic sources, China is asking Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas vessels to pass safely through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes for global energy trade.

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has now entered its sixth day. Because of the tensions, shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply, raising concerns about global energy supplies.

Experts say nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally moves through this narrow passage. Any disruption can quickly impact international markets.

China depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy imports. Reports suggest that about 45 percent of China’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making the situation critical for Beijing.

Ship tracking data showed that a vessel named “Iron Maiden” passed through the strait after identifying itself as Chinese-owned. However, analysts say more ships will need to resume operations to stabilize global markets.

Oil prices have already risen by more than 15 percent since the conflict began. The increase is linked to production disruptions and attacks on energy facilities and ships in the Gulf.

Missile strikes connected to the conflict have reportedly reached areas including Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. These developments have increased fears about wider instability and possible inflation risks for major economies.

Shipping activity has dropped sharply. Data from vessel-tracking firm Vortexa shows only four crude tankers crossed the strait on March 1, compared with an average of about 24 ships daily since January.

Around 300 oil tankers are currently waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz, according to tracking data from Vortexa and Kpler.

Industry sources say some ships are still moving through the passage. Many of these vessels are reportedly owned by Chinese or Iranian companies.

Iran earlier stated that ships linked to the United States, Israel, European countries, or their allies would not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement did not mention China.