What is China’s role in the Iran war?

China, the top importer of Iranian oil, has a big problem with any export restrictions in the Gulf; This includes the US blockade of Iranian ports, which began on Monday.

Beijing condemned the US blockade, calling it “irresponsible and dangerous”.

It was also reported that he was trying to play the peacemaker role in the conflict by directing his ally Iran to negotiations with the US in Pakistan last weekend.

But the blockade creates a serious political, economic and possibly military risk that both the United States and China would want to avoid.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner explains why China’s role in the conflict is too big to ignore.