China and Jordan Urge Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Maintenance of the U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

In a joint statement issued during King Abdullah II’s visit to Beijing, China and Jordan called for the immediate restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and for the ceasefire between the United States and Iran to be upheld. Both sides also condemned Israel’s “dangerous escalatory actions” in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, citing land confiscation, settlement expansion, and attempts to alter the status of holy sites.

South China Morning PostBrussels SignalJordan and China Stress Adherence to US-Iran Ceasefire and Securing Strait of Hormuz Navigation

The waterway has been effectively closed since February 28, when the United States and Israel began striking Iran and Tehran responded by targeting commercial shipping. The state visit, which ran from August 18-24, marked King Abdullah’s ninth trip to China since his accession in 1999 and his first since 2015.

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President Xi Jinping told King Abdullah that the sovereignty and security of all regional states must be respected, reiterating China’s long-standing advocacy for a comprehensive ceasefire. The Chinese foreign ministry statement praised Jordan’s “unique and important role” in the Middle East and noted that the two leaders signed agreements on diplomacy, trade, and supply chains. Jordan’s delegation expressed appreciation for Xi’s initiatives aimed at regional security and diplomatic engagement. State news agency Xinhua reported the joint criticism of Israeli actions, while state broadcaster CCTV relayed the call for normal navigation through the strait.

Brussels SignalJordan and China Stress Adherence to US-Iran Ceasefire and Securing Strait of Hormuz Navigation South China Morning Post

State broadcaster CCTV noted that roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the closure is costing the European Union close to €500 million a day in higher energy costs. The EU, represented by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, has limited its response to sanctions adopted on May 22 and declined to extend its Aspides naval mission into the Gulf, describing the situation as “not Europe’s war.” China, the largest buyer of Iranian crude, positions itself as a neutral broker while opposing Western sanctions on Tehran.

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