China’s Growing Interest In Opening The Strait Of Hormuz

BusinessAerospace & DefenseChina’s Growing Interest In Opening The Strait Of HormuzByNatasha Lindstaedt,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Natasha Lindstaedt is a professor at the University of EssexFollow AuthorApr 22, 2026, 05:21pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 28: Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during an international business meeting at The Great Hall Of The People on March 28, 2025 in Beijing, China. Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the meeting with CEOs from global companies that participated in the China Development Forum held earlier this week. China is aiming to boost ties with global companies as the Trump administration continues imposing tariffs. (Photo by Ken Ishii - Pool/Getty Images)Getty Images On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping weighed in on the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that normal passage through the waterway should be maintained -just as Iran’s reported seizure of ships brings new uncertainty. This marks the first time that Beijing has commented on the issue since the US and Israel began their war with Iran and Lebanon in late February. In addition to calling for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened, Xi also stressed the importance of an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to end the hostilities in Gulf. Xi is clearly aiming to exercise greater influence and return to the status quo. For Beijing, any disruption to global trade or a global economic downturn would hurt its export-oriented economy. Net exports contributed to one-third of China’s GDP in 2025, with uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz posing a huge challenge for China. But what kind of leverage does China have to compel a return to normal and why has the Middle East become so important to it?China’s growing interdependence with the Middle EastWithout a doubt, China’s interest in the Middle Eas...