Analysts say China is carefully balancing its relationship with both Iran and the United States during rising tensions in the Middle East. Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said China appears to agree with the Trump administration that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for global trade and oil shipments. At the same time, Chinese officials have also said that US sanctions and pressure on Iran should be reduced. According to Vatanka, Beijing is trying to manage a difficult situation because it values its strong economic ties with Washington while also wanting to keep Iran as a long-term partner. He said China has worked closely with Iran for many years and is unlikely to completely abandon its relationship with Tehran despite regional tensions.