China’s top diplomat met with Iran’s foreign minister to urge the Islamic republic to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war — as Beijing tries to angle itself to take credit for ending the distribution.

During their meeting in Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushed for the need to end the war with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

China, as the Islamic republic’s top trading partner, holds major sway in Iran’s decision making, with the stalled peace talks with the US paving the way for Beijing to capitalize its presence as a major diplomatic power.

Beijing had proven its ability to influence Iran when it pushed the country to accept the cease-fire deal with the US last month, the New York Times reported. 

If Beijing were to apply pressure again for Iranian negotiators to come to the table with the US and hash out a new peace deal, it would give Chinese President Xi Jinping a win as he prepares to meet with President Trump next month. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alluded to the desired outcome on Tuesday as he called on China to swing its weight during the foreign ministers’ meeting.  

“I hope the Chinese tell him what he needs to be told, and that is that what you are doing in the straits is causing you to be globally isolated,” Rubio said.

“It is in China’s interest that Iran stop closing the strait,” he added. 

Wang appeared to follow the cue during his meeting with Araghchi as he called for peace and directly referenced  the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“China believes that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities should not be delayed, any reigniting of hostilities is even less desirable, and sticking to negotiations is particularly important,” Wang reportedly said.

The diplomatic efforts should also center on the issue of “restoring normal, safe passage” around the Strait of Hormuz, Wang added.

Iranian and Chinese-linked ships continued to sail through the Strait of Hormuz during the height of the war in March until the US launched a full blockade of Tehran’s ports, effectively freezing all traffic along the waterway.

However, Beijing — the largest buyer of Iranian oil — stopped short of blaming the Islamic Republic for the current energy crisis.

Araghchi agreed with the need to restore peace in the region, but he called Iran’s actions self-defense against US-Israeli aggression.

“Iran, just as it demonstrated strength in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy,” Araghchi told his Chinese counterpart, according to Tehran’s foreign ministry.