China leverages Iran ties to bypass blockage in Strait of Hormuz

While several countries around the world grapple with high oil prices and shortages as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran, China has opted for a more strategic approach.

While Iran continues to enforce a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, China has leveraged its relationship with Iran to secure oil supplies.

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Foreign policy expert Oscar van Heerden explained that while China has heavily invested in renewable energy and has adequate reserves, it is still reliant on oil imports. 

He said that while the conflict in the Middle East could accelerate China’s transition to renewable energy, in the meantime, the country continues to leverage its relationship with Iran.

As a result, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has permitted vessels headed to China and those specifically aligned with China to pass. 

“China has already been given a free pass, to be honest, because of the strategic relations between Iran and China.

“Not only has the IRGC indicated that they will allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to China, but they’ve even indicated that other countries should start purchasing oil from China if they want free passage.”

While US President Donald Trump has called on China for assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Van Heerden said China will likely dismiss the request, much like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

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“China is going to say the same. This is a war of choice; you decided to have this war and brought it upon yourself and the global market.”

To listen to Van Heerden in conversation with Amy MacIver (in for CapeTalk’s John Maytham), use the audio player below: