Russia Offers Energy Support to China Amid Middle East and Ukraine Crises

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Beijing on a two-day visit amid escalating global crises.

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing as the United States blocks the Strait of Hormuz, through which China imports about a third of its oil supplies”

Al Jazeera

Lavrov told a joint press conference that Russia can compensate for the shortfall in resources for China and other countries.

Al Jazeera

He confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will visit China in the first half of 2026.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Lavrov, saying the stability of China-Russia relations is especially valuable.

The visit came as China hosted a diplomatic marathon, receiving multiple world leaders in the same week.

Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had already held in-depth exchanges on the US-Iran conflict and the Ukraine crisis.

Lavrov's energy offer came as the United States blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

China imports about a third of its oil supplies through Hormuz.

Al-Jazeera Net

The Elpis, a tanker with links to China, was the first to transit Hormuz after the blockade began.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun called the US action dangerous and irresponsible.

Analysts noted that Russia and China’s positions may diverge on the Iran war.

High energy prices are disruptive for China but can help Moscow fund its war in Ukraine.

Lavrov emphasized that Russia and China stand unyielding in the face of any adversity.

“In just 48 hours, the Great Hall of the People's Republic of China has become a high-voltage diplomatic runway”

El Mundo America

Xi said the two countries must maintain the unity of the global south.

The two countries have seen closer ties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov criticized attempts to contain China and Russia through bloc structures in Asia.

The relationship has deepened further as they coordinate on major issues.

Lavrov stated that the ties are unbreakable in the face of any storm.

China hosted leaders from Spain, the UAE, Vietnam, and Russia in the same week.

Xi's four-point proposal emphasized national sovereignty and the central role of the United Nations.

Kyiv Post

Analysts cautioned that while China and Russia have aligned interests, their motivations are not identical.

US intelligence assessed that China was weighing how to support Iran in the conflict.

The complex interplay of diplomacy, energy, and military considerations underscored the high stakes of the moment.