China's Foreign Ministry has issued an urgent call for all parties to cease military operations and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic intervention follows reports that shipping in the vital waterway has been paralyzed due to threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guards and drone strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure. Beijing is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions, as it currently imports approximately 80% of Iran's oil exports, totaling 1.6 million barrels per day. Any prolonged blockage of the Strait, which facilitates the flow of 13.1 million barrels daily, poses a direct threat to China's national energy security. Market analysts expect this supply shock to drive Brent and WTI crude prices significantly higher while boosting safe-haven demand for Gold. Conversely, the Chinese Yuan and equities are facing downward pressure due to the country's heavy dependency on imported crude.
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