Open Strait, Guarded Interests: China’s nuanced take on Hormuz

China wants the Strait of Hormuz to stay open for traffic and energy flows, but not at the cost of its energy security or allowing Iran to gain leverage. Beijing favors a regional mechanism that could charge a non-toll-like environmental fee, avoids a blockade, and opposes any Chapter VII move that could authorize force against Iran. GCC states such as the UAE and Bahrain oppose giving Iran more influence and would prefer the US to resume pressure or bombing Iran. Beijing is wary that upheaval in Iran could threaten its energy security, as seen in Venezuela-like scenarios, so China remains cautious about UN resolutions and broader enforcement measures in Hormuz.