China calls U.S. blockade ‘dangerous and irresponsible’
China described the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as a “dangerous and irresponsible action” that would further increase tensions in the region.
The targeted blockade of the vital shipping channel, which began at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, combined with an increase in U.S. military deployment, risks undermining the “already fragile ceasefire situation,” the State Department said Tuesday.
Only a complete ceasefire can help alleviate the situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press conference, adding that Beijing would make efforts to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
China, which has long supported the regime in Tehran, has significant interests in reopening the Strait; Beijing is the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil. The blockade directly cuts off this supply and potentially has a far-reaching impact on the Chinese economy.
The United States began blocking ships from entering and exiting Iranian ports in the vital waterway on Monday in a bid to force Iran to reopen the waterway after peace talks in Islamabad collapsed over the weekend.
The measure marks a sharp escalation in conflict despite the cessation of hostilities agreed on April 7.
The spokesman also described reports that China was supplying weapons to the Islamic Republic as “complete fabrication”.
“China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we create the basic conditions for easing the situation in the strait,” the statement said.
“China urges all parties to comply with the ceasefire regulations, focus on the general direction of dialogue and peace talks, take practical steps to alleviate the regional situation, and ensure that traffic in the strait returns to normal as soon as possible.”
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel on Tuesday following reports of a diplomatic solution to the six-week dispute. Brent crude oilU.S. prices, the international benchmark, were about 1% lower at $98.44 in early trade, while U.S. prices West Texas Intermediate May delivery decreased by 2.6% to $96.48 per barrel.
