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Beijing: Amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, China’s entry ( Enters ) into the situation has further heightened global anxiety. Notably, China has issued a stern warning to the US—its first of this kind—specifically regarding a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. China has unequivocally stated that its relations with Iran are of paramount importance and that strong commercial ties exist between the two nations. Beijing warned that if any third country attempts to interfere in these relations, it will face grave consequences.
**China’s Defense Minister Speaks Out**
China’s Defense Minister, Dong Jun, declared, “China will not tolerate bullying by any third country in its bilateral relations with any other nation.” He further clarified that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to China, and should anyone attempt to obstruct it, China will take appropriate countermeasures. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also characterized the US stance as “irresponsible.” According to the Ministry, a US-led blockade of Hormuz would be extremely dangerous and could have severe repercussions for the global economy.
Regarding the issue of arms exports to Iran, China has made it clear that it will not yield to pressure from any third country and will honor its existing agreements. This stance comes in response to a threat issued by US President Donald Trump, who warned that if China supplies weapons to Iran, it would face a 50 percent tariff. In a direct rebuttal to the US warning—though without explicitly naming any specific nation—Chinese Premier Li Qiang issued a new directive. Under this directive, if any country violates international law to interfere with China’s interests, sovereignty, security, or development, China will take firm retaliatory measures.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also delivered a strong message—again, without explicitly naming the United States. He asserted that China is a nation that will not bow down, and that all countries must adhere to international norms and regulations. A Strong Message Delivered to the UAE as Well
In addition to the United States, China has also conveyed a clear message to the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is currently on a visit to China. During a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the Crown Prince raised objections regarding China-Iran relations. In response, Jinping stated that while the UAE is a friend of China, it cannot dictate China’s relations with other nations. During the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized that peace in the Middle East is essential for the entire world, and to achieve this, all nations must respect one another’s sovereignty.
Jinping also advised the United States to adhere to international laws and to strike a balance between development and security. Furthermore, Jinping suggested that the Gulf nations should work toward improving their relations with Iran. He noted that the UAE is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, and China’s annual trade volume with Arab nations stands at approximately $400 billion. Oil supplies from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE are critically important to China’s economy, while supplies of LNG and petrochemical products from Qatar also play a significant role. For this very reason, China seeks to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East and is actively working to diminish American influence in the region. In pursuing this strategy, it is also receiving support from Russia.
