China Condemns Iran's Attacks on Commercial Shipping, Splits With Iran Over Strait Strikes

China’s public posture on recent maritime strikes near the Strait of Hormuz has been cautious and distinct from outright condemnation of Iran.

“China’s Foreign Ministry has stepped up its criticism of attacks on commercial shipping as Iranian forces continue to target vessels operating in or near the Strait of Hormuz, conduit for as much as a quarter of global shipborne oil”

Newsweek

A China commentator on X emphasised Beijing’s broad regional stakes and reluctance to single out Tehran, writing that China “has a diversified portfolio of partners and interests” and “will never single out Iran for condemnation in that way.”

Newsweek

This cautious stance aligns with reporting that China “has so far avoided condemning Iran outright,” signalling a split between rhetorical restraint and unequivocal criticism.

Beijing’s diplomatic choices were visible at the United Nations, where China joined Russia in abstaining from a Security Council resolution that would have formally condemned Iran’s attacks.

The Newsweek report states China and Russia abstained on a resolution characterising Iran’s strikes as “egregious,” illustrating Beijing’s preference for measured multilateral steps over explicit rebukes even as other members pushed for condemnation.

Newsweek

Iran’s foreign ministry framed the confrontation differently, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi using X to argue that technical proposals from Tehran had been dismissed by U.S. counterparts and to criticise the economic motives of American policy.

“China’s Foreign Ministry has stepped up its criticism of attacks on commercial shipping as Iranian forces continue to target vessels operating in or near the Strait of Hormuz, conduit for as much as a quarter of global shipborne oil”

Newsweek

Araghchi wrote: “Factual knowledge matters. Case 1: Iran's proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because U.S. counterparts didn't grasp the technical details.

He added: “Case 2: Americans won't 'make money' from surging oil prices and tariffs. They enrich corporations and crush households.”

The strikes have tangible effects on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and prompted talk of naval escorts from Western leaders.

Newsweek reports that only “a handful of ships are transiting the Strait of Hormuz each day,” with traffic likely to “remain at a trickle until hostilities ease,” driven by the “risk of attack” and higher insurance premiums.

Newsweek

The article also notes that the Trump administration and French President Emmanuel Macron have said they may deploy naval vessels to escort commercial shipping, though neither specified timing or scope.