Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Visits China Amid US-Iran Tensions Over Hormuz

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Arrives in Beijing Amid US-Israel Tensions with Iran

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing, where he received a red-carpet welcome. The visit comes as tensions between the United States and Israel over their actions against Iran have drawn criticism from China and Russia.

China imports approximately one-third of its oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which is also an important international trade route for goods and energy. In response to US efforts to blockade vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, including in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, China has condemned the move as a threat to regional stability.

Lavrov held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Monday, during which he emphasized the importance of preventing any resumption of hostilities in the Middle East. Russia is prepared to assist in resolving the crisis, according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Lavrov and other leaders from countries affected by the conflict this week, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Chinese government has called for restraint and more negotiation in addressing the situation.

US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks. US President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Beijing next month, where he will meet with Xi Jinping. Trump has stated that he would impose a 50% tariff on Chinese goods if China provides military assistance to Iran.

Lavrov’s visit to Beijing marks an opportunity for Russia and China to strengthen their economic and political ties, which have deepened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Source: Al Jazeera