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The United States’ threat to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz could pose a major challenge to China which purchases most Iranian crude oil exports today. The stoppage of Chinese carriers could lead to a direct confrontation between the US and China. Significantly, the issue may reach crisis point at a time the two countries are readying for a delayed Trump visit to China on May 14-15.

In addition, the US threat to impose 50 % tariffs on any country supplying weapons to Tehran could become an issue. CNN claimed in a report that US intelligence believes China is preparing to supply new shoulder-fired air-defence missiles to Iran. The Chinese have flatly denied the charge.

Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty.

On its part, China has made its redlines clear. According to a report in Beijing today, the Chinese defence minister admiral Dong Jun noted that China was monitoring the situation even as its ships were in the Strait of Hormuz area. He said China had trade and energy agreements with Iran, “we will respect and honour them and expect others to not meddle with our affairs.” As far as China was concerned, “Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and it is open for us.”

As of now, China’s credentials on both sides of the conflict stand. In an interview with AFP, Trump said he believed China had played a key role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table for the ceasefire deal. As for Iran, following the ceasefire, its ambassador in Beijing called on China along with Russia, Pakistan and Turkey to play the role of a guarantor of peace in the region.

From China’s point of view, ties with the US have primacy. Beijing’s attitude to the war has been carefully nuanced to not cross Washington’s redlines. Chinese officials said foreign minister Wang Yi had had 26 phone conversations with counterparts to push its 5-point peace plan of March 31 calling for the reopening of Hormuz and a ceasefire.

China, along with Russia, are two countries that have significant ties with Iran despite the US policy of isolating Tehran. Unlike India which has, under US pressure,........

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