Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and return to dialogue during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on September 16. Wang said continued hostilities would not serve the interests of either side or the international community, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang called on Tehran and Washington to engage in substantive consultations on issues of mutual concern and urged all parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. The waterway is a major maritime route for global energy shipments and commercial navigation.

The Chinese foreign minister also supported dialogue between Iran and Persian Gulf countries based on mutual respect for sovereignty and security interests. He warned against allowing regional tensions to expand further into areas such as Yemen and the Red Sea, which are also important routes for international shipping.

The meeting took place as maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz remained affected by regional security concerns. Shipping data reported a decline in vessel movements through the waterway, highlighting continued challenges for commercial operators using the route. Governments and maritime stakeholders continue to monitor developments and call for the protection of safe navigation.