China says it is communicating with all sides about the Strait of Hormuz

China says it is in talks with all parties over the Strait of Hormuz and calls for an immediate halt to fighting to prevent further escalation.

Reuters

March 16, 2026

China says it is communicating with all sides about the Strait of Hormuz

Tankers sit anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 10, 2026.

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

China is in communication "with all sides" about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministry said on Monday, reiterating the country's call for a de-escalation of the Middle East conflict.

At a regular press briefing, the ministry was asked if China had received any request from U.S. President Donald Trump to assist in ensuring the security of the Strait, a vital artery for global energy shipments.

"We are in communication with all parties on the current situation and are committed to promoting the easing and cooling down of the situation," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.

Lin said China again urged all sides to cease fighting immediately to prevent escalation and broader economic fallout.

-Reporting by Colleen Howe, Writing by Liz Lee;Editing by Shri Navaratnam/Reuters