Kuala Lumpur — China has strongly criticized the United States’ military blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the action as “dangerous and irresponsible” and warning that it risks worsening tensions in the Middle East.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday (April 14) that the targeted blockade of the vital shipping lane, which began at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, combined with increased U.S. military deployments, threatens to undermine the already fragile ceasefire situation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press conference: “Only a full and comprehensive ceasefire can truly ease the situation in the region.” Beijing added that it will continue efforts to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue.
As the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil, China has a major stake in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The U.S. blockade has effectively cut off Iranian oil supplies to China and could have wide-ranging impacts on the Chinese economy.
The blockade was imposed after peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad failed over the weekend. The move marks a sharp escalation despite a ceasefire agreement reached on April 7.
Guo also dismissed reports claiming China is supplying weapons to Iran as “completely fabricated.”
“China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions to de-escalate the situation in the strait,” he said.
China urged all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement, focus on dialogue and peace negotiations, take practical steps to ease regional tensions, and restore normal shipping traffic in the strait as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, oil prices fell on Tuesday amid reports of possible diplomatic progress in the six-week-old conflict. International benchmark Brent crude dropped about 1% to US$98.44 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery fell 2.6% to US$96.48 per barrel.
The conflict continues to raise global concerns over energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil. China expressed hope that all sides would exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table before the situation deteriorates further.
