Strait of Hormuz: How the US blockade is putting pressure on China

The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is hitting China especially hard as the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil. The supply gap is forcing Beijing to recalibrate its energy imports. That could even push it toward cooperation with the Trump administration.

13. April 2026
Ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on April 8.
Since the start of the Iran War, about 100 tankers have passed through the strait. (picture alliance/anadolu/Shadi J. H. Alassar)

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Last updated: 13. April 2026