“Pressuring China to step in”

“Zhang Lun, professor at CY Cergy-Paris University, described the US blockade as 'responding in kind.' He argued that Washington's move is also intended to 'force China onto the stage.'”

“Zhang explains that the White House might be able to find an off-ramp from the conflict — and save face — if Washington can push Beijing to apply pressure on Tehran to accept the US' terms.”

“Zhang does not believe China will directly intervene in the war in the Middle East.”

“Chinese state media, meanwhile, has framed the US blockade as part of a 'hegemonic logic' of resorting to force when negotiations fail.”

“Chinese media is portraying the US as 'eager for a graceful exit' from the conflict, even resorting to 'packaging victory' by claiming it had achieved its objectives in Iran, including regime change and successful strikes on targets.”

“state media describe the Strait of Hormuz as a 'fatal vulnerability' for the US that cannot be spun: failure in Iran, combined with loss of control over the Strait, rising oil prices, and inflation, could have direct consequences for the Trump administration in the US midterm elections in November.”

“China's official narrative interprets Iran's blockade of the Strait as evidence that the US and Israel have been 'outmaneuvered' by Tehran.”

“The US decision to blockade Iranian ports, meanwhile, is being viewed in China as an attempt to compensate for insufficient leverage at the negotiating table following earlier military actions that have failed to force regime change, one of Trump's core goals in the early days of the war.”

“The argument for cutting off access to the Strait is that it could deprive Tehran of critical revenue, thereby weakening its bargaining power and forcing it to agree a deal with Washington.”

“Chinese state media frequently describes the US blockade as a 'gamble,' arguing that while Washington hopes to break the deadlock through maximum pressure, Iran's missile capabilities could trigger further escalation.”

“Zhang told DW that beyond responding to Israeli demands, longstanding US-Iran tensions, and concerns over Iran's nuclear program, another key factor is Washington's broader objective of controlling global energy resources — something Trump has repeatedly emphasized.”

“In this context, Zhang argued, there is a dimension of 'broader strategic pressure' on China. The United States has already tightened its grip on Venezuela ; if Iran were also brought under US influence, and if Washington were to further engage Russia — potentially through concessions related to Ukraine — it could significantly constrain China's access to oil resources.”

“China reportedly engaged with Iranian officials during last week's ceasefire talks and urged Tehran to accept terms mediated by Pakistan.”

“US intelligence sources claimed that China had provided or was preparing to provide weapons to Iran, according to a recent report by US media outlet CNN.”

“Trump warned that Beijing could face new tariffs of up to 50% if it offered military support to Tehran.”

“China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations on Monday as 'groundless smears.'”

“Hu Xijin, a prominent Chinese media figure, published a commentary on the Chinese media outlet Phoenix.com, stating that such claims were intended as 'preemptive accusations' to deter China.”

“Zhang also noted that China retains additional tools, including rare earth exports. 'If the United States weaponizes the Strait,' he said, 'China could also weaponize rare earths.'”