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PoliticsChina

What's behind China's Strait of Hormuz bypass?

May 15, 2026

China is building a 10,000-km rail link to Iran to secure oil supplies. But with far less capacity than tankers, it won't replace sea routes. Instead, it highlights Beijing's long-term strategy to boost energy security.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Dn2S

China is expanding a 10,000-kilometer (about 6,200-mile) railway link to Iran to diversify oil supply routes and reduce reliance on vulnerable sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.

But experts say trains cannot match the capacity of oil tankers, limiting its impact.

Instead, the project underlines China's long-term approach to strengthening its energy security and developing resilience against global crises through diversification, infrastructure investment and reduced dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

DW News anchor Pablo Foley Elias wears a suit as he looks into the camera
Pablo Foley Elias A news anchor and reporter at DW News in Berlin.
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