<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>On <strong>15 May 2026</strong>, China publicly urged a swift <span class="key-term" data-definition="A temporary suspension of hostilities agreed by warring parties, often a precursor to peace negotiations; relevant to international conflict resolution (GS2: International Relations).">ceasefire</span> in <span class="key-term" data-definition="Geopolitical region encompassing the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc.; a focal point of strategic competition (GS2: International Relations).">West Asia</span> and the immediate reopening of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Designated maritime routes used for commercial shipping; disruption affects global trade and supply chains (GS3: Trade & Commerce).">shipping lanes</span> through the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of global oil and LNG passes; its closure impacts energy security (GS3: Energy & Resources).">Strait of Hormuz</span>. The call comes amid a de‑escalation effort after Iran’s naval forces effectively closed the strait following the outbreak of hostilities on <strong>28 February 2026</strong>.</p>
<h3>Key Developments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Iran’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Iran's elite paramilitary force (IRGC) that controls key strategic assets, including naval operations; significant in Iran's foreign policy and security (GS2: Polity).">Revolutionary Guards</span> have allowed a limited number of Chinese vessels to transit the strait since the night of <strong>13 May 2026</strong>.</li>
<li>U.S. President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> and Chinese President <strong>Xi Jinping</strong> discussed the crisis during a <span class="key-term" data-definition="High-level meeting of heads of state or government to discuss bilateral or multilateral issues; in UPSC context, reflects diplomatic engagement (GS2: Foreign Policy).">summit</span> in Beijing, where Trump said Xi assured that China would not provide military aid to Tehran.</li>
<li>China’s foreign ministry reiterated that “there is no point in continuing this conflict which should not have happened in the first place” and called for the restoration of peace and stability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts</h3>
<p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of global oil and LNG passes; its closure impacts energy security (GS3: Energy & Resources).">Strait of Hormuz</span> is a critical chokepoint: in peacetime it carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its closure has already rattled global markets, giving Tehran leverage over energy prices.</p>
<p>Since the conflict began, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has restricted commercial traffic through the strait, intensifying the economic pressure on both sides.</p>
<h3>UPSC Relevance
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