China Warns US Over Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Beijing, April 14, 2026  - China has issued a stern warning to the United States after Washington imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.  

Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun declared that Beijing would continue to honour its trade and energy commitments with Iran, stressing that Chinese vessels would keep operating in the region despite the heightened risk.  

“Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honour those agreements and expect others not to interfere in our affairs,” - Dong said.  

He emphasized that Iran controls the Strait and that it remains open for Chinese vessels.  

The US blockade, announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, prohibits vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports. Trump warned that any Iranian “fast attack” boats approaching US ships would be “eliminated.”  

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the blockade would apply to all vessels, regardless of nationality, operating in Iranian waters, the Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.  

The move follows the collapse of US-Iran talks aimed at extending a temporary ceasefire.  

Immediate Impact  

• At least two oil and chemical tankers were forced to turn back after the blockade began.  
• One vessel, Rich Starry, bound for China, reportedly reversed course within minutes of the enforcement.  
• The Strait of Hormuz supplies nearly 40% of China’s oil and 30% of its LNG needs, making it vital for Beijing’s energy security.  

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a large share of global oil shipments. Any disruption in this corridor has immediate consequences for:  

• Global energy markets  
• Oil prices  
• International energy security  

China’s warning signals a potential escalation in tensions between Washington and Beijing, with energy security and freedom of navigation at the heart of the dispute. Analysts caution that prolonged disruption in the Strait could trigger volatility in global markets and deepen geopolitical divides.