China and Russia block UN resolution protecting Hormuz shipping lanes

China and Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Tuesday calling for coordinated efforts to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with Moscow and Beijing arguing the measure unfairly targeted Iran. Eleven of the council's 15 members voted in favor of the resolution, originally proposed by Bahrain, but the vetoes prevented passage. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transit, making shipping security a strategic concern affecting energy prices and trade worldwide. The veto reflects broader geopolitical tensions between Western nations and the Russia-China alliance over Middle Eastern policy and maritime security.