China has spoken out against the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any disruption to the key waterway would run counter to the interests of the wider international community. The foreign ministry in Beijing called on all parties to exercise “calm and restraint” as tensions spike around one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The blockade of Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, following the collapse of peace talks, was announced yesterday by US President Donald Trump and condemned by Iran as an “act of piracy.” In a statement, US Central Command said the blockade would be enforced “impartially” against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports, but that ships transiting to and from non-Iranian ports would not be impeded.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is “an important international trade route for goods and energy” and that keeping it secure, stable and “unimpeded” is in the common interest of all countries.
[See more: China resilient to Hormuz shutdown risks]
An Iranian Armed Forces spokesman said Tehran would implement a “permanent mechanism” to control the strait if the blockade proceeds, adding that Gulf ports must be accessible to all or none, and that no harbour in the Gulf or Gulf of Oman would remain secure if Iranian ports were endangered.
Beijing’s response has focused on navigation rights and energy security rather than taking sides on the broader conflict. Guo said China is willing to work with “all sides” to safeguard global energy supplies and to support efforts that reduce tensions in and around the strait. Chinese officials have also linked long-term stability to securing a ceasefire in the ongoing Iran war, arguing that de-escalation on land is essential for normal maritime trade.
A number of other governments have expressed concern about the impact of a blockade. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London would not support the move and stressed that getting the strait “fully open” is vital, while Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the measure “makes no sense” and forms part of a broader “downward spiral” in the region.
