Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing amid a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which China imports approximately one-third of its oil supplies. Lavrov received a red-carpet welcome, highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations as geopolitical tensions escalate. The blockade poses a significant threat to China's energy security, given its heavy reliance on Iranian oil.

China and Russia have condemned the US and Israeli war on Iran, with China facing economic repercussions from the ensuing energy crisis. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital international trade route, and its security must be upheld. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that the US regime's goal is to choke Iran by blocking all port access, indirectly pressuring China, a major Iranian trade partner.

Lavrov held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the importance of preventing a resurgence of armed conflict in the Middle East and reaffirming Russia's readiness to assist in a settlement. Meanwhile, Sino-Russian economic and political cooperation has strengthened further since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with both nations aligning against Western policies.

China is hosting leaders from countries affected by the war and its economic fallout, such as Spain and the UAE, positioning itself as a reliable alternative to the US regime. Al Jazeera's correspondent in Beijing noted that China is capitalizing on global disillusionment with Washington, presenting itself as a stable partner amid the crisis.

Former US President Donald Trump allegedly threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Chinese goods if China provides military aid to Iran, a claim based on unverified intelligence reports. Chinese authorities dismissed these reports as fabricated and warned of resolute countermeasures, exacerbating trade frictions and highlighting the fragile state of international relations.

Source: www.aljazeera.com