China said Tuesday that the early restoration of safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz served all parties' interests.

A ship in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran, May 16, 2026. (File photo: CFP)

China had noted that Iran and the United States had reached a first-phase memorandum of understanding that included provisions such as reopening the strait, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said at a routine press briefing in Beijing.

The Strait of Hormuz was an international waterway used for global navigation, Lin said. "The early restoration of safe and free passage through the strait serves the interests of all parties," he said. "China stands ready to maintain communication with relevant countries and the international community on the issue."

China would continue to make every effort to safeguard the safety of Chinese-owned vessels and Chinese crew members, Lin said.

(Compiled by Xia Lehan)