China gets around Iran blockade as Gulf courts Beijing |
Analysis
China gets around Iran blockade as Gulf courts Beijing
Beijing is responding to the Iran war on two fronts: economically, sustaining Iranian oil flows and its Strait of Hormuz routes despite the US blockade; and diplomatically, deepening ties with Gulf states.
Joyce Karam
Apr 23, 2026
US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel. — Handout by the US Navy via Getty Images
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Hi readers,
As the war in Iran nears its third month, Beijing has been responding on two main fronts.
The first is economic: adapting to the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by keeping Iranian oil flowing and maintaining its own shipping routes through the strait. Spoiler alert: It’s working! The second is diplomatic: deepening engagement with Gulf capitals, especially in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where leadership-level outreach to China demonstrates a shift for them.
Let’s dive in.
Joyce (sign up here)
Leading this week
Despite ten days of a US blockade of Hormuz, 34........