China denounced the American blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as a “reckless and perilous act” that would escalate tensions in the area.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated on Tuesday that the blockade of this crucial shipping lane, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, along with the uptick in U.S. military presence, jeopardizes an “already delicate ceasefire situation.”
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun remarked at a press briefing that only a comprehensive ceasefire can alleviate the circumstances, mentioning that Beijing would strive to aid in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.
China, a long-time supporter of the Tehran regime, has a significant interest in reopening the Strait since it is the largest importer of Iranian crude oil. The blockade directly disrupts that supply and could have extensive repercussions for the Chinese economy.
The U.S. began restricting vessels from entering and leaving Iranian ports in this crucial waterway on Monday in an attempt to compel Iran to allow the Strait to reopen, following stalled peace negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend.
This action represents a notable escalation in the conflict despite a temporary cessation of hostilities agreed upon on April 7.
The spokesman also refuted claims that China was supplying arms to the Islamic Republic as “utterly fabricated.”
“China holds that only through achieving an all-encompassing ceasefire and bringing an end to the conflict can we fundamentally create the conditions necessary for alleviating the situation in the strait,” he stated in a release.
“China calls upon all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreements, concentrate on the overarching goal of dialogue and peace talks, and take tangible actions to facilitate the easing of the regional dynamics, enabling the swift restoration of normal navigation in the strait.”
Oil prices dipped below $100 a barrel on Tuesday following indications of a diplomatic solution to the six-week dispute. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was nearly 1% down in early trading at $98.44, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate for May delivery fell by 2.6%, priced at $96.48 per barrel.
