China's Hidden Hand in the Strait of Hormuz Crisis The crisis over the Strait of Hormuz has receded from headlines, but its far reaching implications warrant close attention. According to U. S.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, China is working behind the scenes to help reopen the strait, a move that could significantly affect the global oil market.
As the world's largest crude oil importer, China's interests in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open are straightforward: nearly all of Iran's exports go to China, and more than half of its imports come from the Middle East.