China has criticized the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that will further escalate tensions in the region.
The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the targeted blockade of the vital sea route, which began at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, risks undermining the “already fragile ceasefire situation” when combined with the expanded U.S. military deployment.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in a press conference that only a complete ceasefire can alleviate the situation, adding that the Chinese government will work towards restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.
China, which has supported the Tehran regime for years, is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and has an important interest in reopening the strait. A blockade could directly cut off supplies and have far-reaching implications for China’s economy.
After peace talks in Islamabad stalled over the weekend, the United States on Monday began blocking ships from entering and leaving Iranian ports in the crucial waterway in a bid to force Iran to reopen the strait.
This measure marks a sharp escalation in the conflict despite the suspension of hostilities agreed on April 7.
The spokesperson also denied reports that China was supplying weapons to the Islamic Republic, calling them “complete fabrications.”
“China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can it fundamentally create the conditions to ease the situation in the strait,” he said in a statement.
“China calls on all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement, focus on the general direction of dialogue and peace negotiations, take practical actions to promote the de-escalation of the regional situation, and restore normal traffic in the strait as soon as possible.”
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel on Tuesday following reports of a diplomatic solution to the six-week conflict. brent crude oilThe dollar, the international benchmark, was down about 1% in early trade at $98.44, while the U.S. price was $98.44. west texas intermediate Oil for May delivery fell 2.6% to $96.48 a barrel.
