China, Russia discuss UN vote on Hormuz resolution, urge ceasefire

The top diplomats of China and Russia held a phone conversation Sunday to coordinate positions ahead of an impending UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution concerning the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov agreed to “uphold fairness on matters of principle and adopt an objective and balanced approach” as permanent members of the council. Wang urged Moscow and Beijing to “strive to gain greater understanding and support from the international community.”

Bahrain’s draft resolution and strategic stakes

Bahrain submitted the draft resolution earlier this week in response to Iran’s effective closure of the strategic waterway to international navigation. The strait handles approximately 25% of global oil trade, 20% of liquefied natural gas, and nearly 30% of fertilizer trade. For China, around 45% of its oil imports and 20% of its LNG imports transit through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Wang emphasized that the “fundamental solution” to navigation issues is to “achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible,” adding that China has consistently advocated for political resolution through dialogue and negotiation.

Alignment on Iran and Türkiye’s position

Lavrov stated that “military actions must cease immediately” and that parties should return to the political track to address root causes of the conflict. Both nations expressed satisfaction over their alignment on most global issues, “including the situation surrounding Iran, which is related to the unprovoked aggression of the US and Israel against that country.” The US-Israeli offensive on Iran since February 28 has killed more than 1,340 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes across the region and restricted Hormuz shipping. For Türkiye, which relies on Hormuz for energy imports and maintains balanced ties with both Western and Eastern powers, the China-Russia coordination at the UN underscores the growing geopolitical divide over the conflict. Ankara continues to call for a diplomatic solution and has urged all permanent Security Council members to prioritize de-escalation over confrontation.