China has tossed the notorious American naval blockade in the Straits of Hormuz into the dustbin of history, moving Iranian oil unhindered into the heart of the Persian Gulf and completely ignoring the nearby vessels of the US Navy. Tension in the Straits of Hormuz is escalating due to the American blockade; however, Chinese tankers are risking the passage with their cargo, convinced they will suffer no consequences. A sanctioned Malawi-flagged tanker carrying a Chinese crew and cargo passed through the Straits of Hormuz, Reuters reports. According to data from LSEG, MarineTraffic, and Kpler, the Rich Starry is the first to cross the straits and exit the Persian Gulf since the start of the US blockade.
The Chinese tanker passed unhindered, not even inspected by the US
Loading and unloading took place in Hamriyah, United Arab Emirates, meaning it was not an Iranian port. However, this does not exempt the cargo and vessel from the possibility of detention. The US clarified that neutral vessels not docked in Iran would not be subject to obstacles but might be searched for prohibited cargo. Consequently, this specific tanker escaped such a fate. This appears to be China's test move against the blockade. And from the first indications, it seems to have fully achieved its purpose. The next tanker could further push the boundaries of what is permissible.
Trump's strategic dilemma in the face of China
Donald Trump knew that China would be the first victim of his blockade, as 90% of Iranian oil is sold there, while last year China bought more than 80% of Iran's crude oil exports, averaging about 1.38 million barrels per day. In an interview with Fox News, the US President offered Beijing two options: either buy oil from him or from Venezuela.
... and Xi Jinping's "third way"
However, the President of the State Council of China, Xi Jinping, chose a third path. The previous day, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has an agreement with Iran for the free passage of Chinese ships and has no intention of refusing the transport of purchased oil. This suggests that China is prepared for a military confrontation with the US, despite the fact that Iran is not even among China's top five oil importers. Therefore, quietly stepping aside was an option, but the "dragon" was so enraged that it "came out of the shadows."
Trump will not enter into conflict with Beijing
It appears that, in view of his already postponed visit to China, Donald Trump does not wish to engage in a direct confrontation with Xi Jinping. Donald Trump will try to block ships from other countries but will not dare to hinder the Chinese ones. If China intervenes, its influence in the Middle East will inevitably expand rapidly—and this is exactly the situation Washington wants to see least of all.
From a blockade fiasco to diplomacy
Donald Trump stated that Iranian officials contacted him, and a second round of US-Iran talks is expected to take place on April 16. The rapid transition from blockade to diplomacy demonstrates Donald Trump's reluctance to escalate the situation to a critical point for the global economy, or even into a war with China. According to the New York Times, the subject of negotiations is uranium enrichment. The US demanded that Iran suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years, while Iran reportedly stated it would do so for at most five years.
China's incredible warning to the US
More specifically, China declares that it will continue to use the Straits of Hormuz freely for its tankers, warning the United States against any interference in energy supplies. The blockade imposed by Donald Trump in the Straits of Hormuz does not apply to China. Beijing officially informed Washington that Chinese tankers, whether carrying Iranian oil or not, will pass freely through the Straits of Hormuz. Any interference in this process will result in retaliation from China. Beijing is likely to launch a new trade war with the United States.
What the Chinese Defense Minister signaled to the Trump administration
Specifically on April 12, the Chinese Defense Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, made a statement making it clear that Chinese ships and vessels will be free to pass through the Straits of Hormuz despite the American blockade. "Our ships enter and exit the waters of the Straits of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and implement them, and we expect others not to interfere in our affairs." Meanwhile, the US has deployed approximately 15 ships to blockade the Straits of Hormuz. 
Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China
These include the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, several destroyers, and amphibious assault ships. Their mission is to stop the tankers carrying Iranian oil and other vessels leaving Iranian ports. Donald Trump stated that if Iran does not reach an agreement with the US, the consequences will be "unpleasant."
Trump sends 15 warships to the Persian Gulf
More than 15 American warships are participating in the blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a senior US official. According to the source, an aircraft carrier, several guided-missile destroyers, an amphibious assault ship, and a host of other combat units have been deployed to the Middle East. 
The report points out that these specific ships have the capability to carry helicopters, which can be used to support operations on board vessels. US Central Command previously announced it would begin a naval blockade of Iran on April 13. American forces intend to intercept the movement of all ships heading toward ports of the Islamic Republic, as well as those attempting to leave its shores.
Trump: We will destroy any Iranian ship that tries to break the blockade
Commenting on the terms of the American blockade's implementation, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would destroy Iranian ships attempting to violate the naval blockade. He made the relevant post on the social media platform TruthSocial. Donald Trump claimed that the US has already destroyed 158 Iranian ships, although the Islamic Republic maintained its attack vessels. 
"I warn you that if any of these ships approach our blockade, they will be destroyed using the same systems we used against drug traffickers with boats at sea," said the White House resident. Following talks between the US and Iran on April 11, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it would begin a naval blockade of Iran on April 13, blocking all ships heading toward ports of the Islamic Republic or attempting to set sail from its shores. The blockade was expected to start at 5:00 p.m. Moscow time.
The US fears direct Chinese involvement in the war
Developments reinforce scenarios for more active Chinese involvement in the conflict. According to the New York Times, Beijing reportedly exerted pressure on Tehran to accept a temporary ceasefire with the US. Responding to a related question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the country is "actively working to promote peace talks," without officially confirming mediating involvement. Analysts estimate that China is moving with careful steps. As Dylan Loh noted, Beijing seems to be "selectively exercising its influence," taking a more active role when it perceives opportunities for intervention. If the shipment of weapons is confirmed, it will mark a significant change in China's stance in the Middle East, further increasing uncertainty, even if these specific weapon systems do not prove decisive.
Economic interests and energy dependence
Despite rhetorical support for Iran, there have been no official confirmations of military or economic aid since the start of the conflicts. Analysts point out that China's stance is primarily guided by economic interests. In 2025, Beijing reportedly purchased over 80% of Iranian oil exports, covering more than 10% of domestic demand. This dependence makes China particularly vulnerable to a potential prolonged closure of the Straits of Hormuz, a fact already reflected in an approximately 11% increase in fuel prices in the country.
Doubts about Trump's moves
Despite the threats, it remains unclear if Donald Trump will ultimately proceed with the imposition of tariffs. Since the start of the conflict, the American president has alternated harsh rhetoric with proposals for diplomatic de-escalation—a tactic his critics characterize as "TACO" (Trump Always Chickens Out). In recent posts on Truth Social, Trump even threatened bombings of critical Iranian infrastructure if the Straits of Hormuz did not open—threats that ultimately were not realized. However, analysts point out that the possibility of his threats being implemented should not be underestimated. As Dylan Loh noted, if there is clear evidence of substantial Chinese support for Iran, the US response will be immediate. Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced a full naval blockade of the Straits of Hormuz after the failure of negotiations with Iran, while he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-May—a meeting that may prove decisive for the course of developments.
The earthquake intervention from China and Pakistan to end the war and open Hormuz
It is recalled that weeks ago, with a joint intervention, China and Pakistan raised a strong bulwark against the arbitrary war launched by the US and Israel against Iran at the end of February. Pakistan's role is now highly upgraded, given that it has an informal role of mediator in indirect contacts between the American and Iranian leadership, with the ultimate goal of achieving a ceasefire in the Middle East. Specifically, China and Pakistan submitted five proposals for the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East during talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Tuesday, March 31. The proposals send a resounding message to the US and Israel, as they concern the immediate cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the safety of civilian targets, ensuring the safety of navigation, and upholding the supremacy of the United Nations Charter, according to the Xinhua agency.
Pakistan in a mediator role with Beijing's blessings
During the meeting, Wang stated that after hosting a four-way meeting of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, the Pakistani side arrived directly in Beijing without pause to discuss together how to defuse tension in the Middle East, a move which China welcomes. "Pakistan's efforts to function as a mediator between the parties to promote peace and end the fighting prove its firm commitment to safeguarding regional and global peace. The timely strategic communication between China and Pakistan on major international and regional issues and the deepening of strategic coordination embody the essence of the China-Pakistan community with a shared future. China supports and expects Pakistan to play a unique and important role in de-escalating tensions and restoring peace talks. This process will not be easy, but Pakistan's mediating efforts align with the common interests of all parties," Wang said. Hours before the proposals, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31, that the "two Foreign Ministers will intensify strategic communication and coordination on the situation in Iran and other international and regional issues of mutual interest, will jointly call for peace and a fair stance, and will make new efforts to help end the conflict and achieve peace and stability in the region."
Joint intervention for a ceasefire
It is noted that weeks ago, China and Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and termination of the fighting, as well as every possible effort to prevent further escalation and spillover of the conflict, according to the Xinhua news agency. The two sides also noted that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and security of Iran and the Gulf countries must be respected. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable way for resolving conflicts. Furthermore, China and Pakistan called on all parties to immediately stop attacks against civilians and civilian targets, comply fully with international humanitarian law, and stop attacks on critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, desalination plants, power systems, and peaceful nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants.
The proposal for opening the Straits of Hormuz with UN reinforcement
Regarding the Straits of Hormuz, China and Pakistan call on all parties to ensure the safety of ships and crews trapped within the straits, to provide for the safe and immediate passage of civilian and commercial ships, and to restore normal navigation in the straits as soon as possible. Supporting the reinforcement of the UN's role, the two countries stated that they support achieving agreements based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law to create a comprehensive framework for peace and achieve lasting calm.
China as a guarantor of global normalcy
Indeed, Zhu Yongbiao, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times that the proposals underscore the unique nature of China-Pakistan relations and the high degree of alignment of their positions. "The proposals reflect the principled consensus that China and Pakistan have achieved on Middle East issues, further strengthening their coordinated stance in international affairs," the expert stated. He also noted that this demonstrates China's responsibility in maintaining regional and global peace. Specifically, the call to ensure the safe passage of civilian ships through the Straits of Hormuz aligns with the interests of the vast majority of countries and is practically feasible, making it a key focus point.
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