China urges Hormuz reopening, warns of global economic risks

China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and warned of broader economic and humanitarian consequences from the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing: “The war should not have happened, nor should the world, especially smaller nations, bear its brunt.”

IMF downgrade and global impact

Guo noted that the US-Israeli war with Iran “has caused not only heavy casualties but severe spillover effects and hampered global growth.” He was responding to an International Monetary Fund report that cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% from 3.3% in January, with global inflation expected to reach 4.4% this year. “The pressing priority is to prevent by all means a relapse into fighting and to resume traffic via the Strait of Hormuz,” Guo said, warning of potential humanitarian crises.

China welcomes diplomacy, praises Pakistan

The spokesman noted that the US is currently implementing a blockade of the strategic waterway. Commenting on President Trump’s signal that a second round of US-Iran talks could take place in Pakistan, Guo said China “welcomes all efforts conducive to ending the US-Iran conflict” and praised Pakistan’s “just and balanced” role in securing a temporary ceasefire. Pakistan hosted talks in Islamabad over the weekend after brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8, but negotiations ended without an agreement. On Trump’s planned visit to China, Guo said both sides have maintained communication, though Beijing has yet to confirm the May 14-15 dates.