Strait of Hormuz Closed, China Pushes Energy Security Guarantees

JAKARTA - The Chinese government has called for energy security guarantees, especially due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard after the United States and Israel attacked the country.

"Energy security is very important for the world economy. All parties have a responsibility to ensure a stable and unhindered energy supply," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning in Beijing, Tuesday, March 3, as reported by ANTARA.

After the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran that began on Saturday (28/2), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sent a message to ships that were about to use the Strait of Hormuz stating that no ships would be allowed to pass.

As of Monday (2/3), 706 non-Iranian tankers were recorded waiting on both sides of the strait. This condition certainly has an impact on a number of countries, especially oil importers such as Japan which imports around 95 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, most of which passes through the narrow waterway.

"China urges all parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation, keep the shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz safe, and prevent further impact on the global economy," added Mao Ning.

China, said Mao Ning, firmly opposes any violation of the sovereignty and security of any country by the use of force in international relations.

"Energy security is very important for the world economy. Ensuring a stable and unhindered energy supply is the responsibility of all parties. China will do what is necessary to maintain its energy security," said Mao Ning.

In addition, Mao Ning also said that China supports the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations, and respects Iran's legitimate right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

"We note that Iran has repeatedly stressed that they do not intend to develop nuclear weapons and has recently engaged in serious negotiations with the US. This issue must ultimately return to the path of political and diplomatic solutions," said Mao Ning.

China also called for an immediate cessation of military operations, the return of dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and efforts to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime as well as peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.

"Once again, the US attacked Iran in the ongoing negotiation process. The attack violates international law and the basic norms of international relations and has increased tensions in the Middle East," said Mao Ning.

The Strait of Hormuz is known to handle about a fifth of the world's oil trade as well as large volumes of liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. About 20 percent of global daily oil consumption, or about 20 million barrels, crosses the corridor.

Shipping data showed transit volumes on March 1 were down 86 percent compared to the average for 2026.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) in its statement, Sunday (1/3) stated that the maritime security level in the Strait of Hormuz had been raised to a critical level, the highest risk category, after several attacks on commercial vessels were confirmed at the weekend in the Gulf of Oman, near Musandam, as well as in the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, on Monday (2/3), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that 11 Iranian vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman had been destroyed for interfering with and attacking international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades.

The command also promised to continue to defend maritime navigation freedom. However, Iran did not confirm this.

In retaliation, Tehran launched a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, US assets, and a number of countries in the Gulf region. Six US military personnel were killed in the attack.