Germany seeks China's help in restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, energy crisis significantly affects Europe

(Patria) - Germany has called on China to use its influence to persuade Iran to enter into negotiations with the United States to end the war and restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. As announced, Berlin and Beijing share deep concern over the escalation of the crisis in the Middle East.

The appeal was made by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul following a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. In a statement published on social media, Wadephul emphasized the constructive role China can play.

"China can constructively use its influence on Iran for a negotiated solution and an end to hostilities against the Gulf states," Wadephul stated.

He stressed that close German-Chinese dialogue remains crucial amid a challenging global environment, adding that both countries are committed to a swift end to the conflict and the protection of freedom and security of international maritime traffic.

"Germany and China want to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," Wadephul said.

"We agree that individual countries must not control shipping lanes or charge tolls for passage."

The prolonged energy crisis caused by the attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to ships could force some countries to reconsider the EU's decision to stop buying Russian fossil fuels. Although most member states no longer buy Russian oil, the bloc still imports Russian gas, the complete cessation of which is scheduled for November 2027. A new energy shock could test this resolve, especially if the crisis in the Middle East persists. Economic and foreign policy analysts state that market recovery will take months, if not years, for the war to end now. Oil prices, gold prices, prices of all services and goods have caused shocks in global markets and stock exchanges, and the inflation rate is rising. Iran is allowing some ships to pass through the strait, including Chinese and Turkish ones. They say there is no passage for enemy ships.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is sending his envoy to the Middle East to support diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The UN announced that Jean Arnault has been appointed to this role, and he will lead the organization's efforts related to the conflict and its consequences.

"I am telling the United States and Israel that it is high time to stop the war that is causing immense human suffering and already causing devastating economic consequences," Guterres said. He also added that Iran should "stop attacking its neighbors."

The UN chief, who has long called for a swift end to the conflict, warned that the world is "on the brink of a wider war." He also stated that the consequences of the conflict "are already being felt everywhere."