(SeaPRwire) – China denounced the continuous U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as a “dangerous and irresponsible action.”
These comments from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun followed the U.S. commencement of a blockade on Iranian ports within the strategic waterway at 10 a.m. ET on Monday. President Donald Trump issued the order following the breakdown of peace negotiations with Tehran over the weekend.
“Despite the temporary ceasefire agreement remaining in effect, the United States has increased its military presence and implemented a targeted blockade. This will only intensify conflict, heighten tensions, weaken the already precarious ceasefire, and further endanger safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Guo stated. “It is a dangerous and irresponsible action.”
“China maintains that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential to fundamentally ease the situation. We call on all relevant parties to uphold the ceasefire agreement, remain committed to the path of peace negotiations, and take concrete steps to de-escalate the crisis, thereby allowing normal maritime traffic through the Strait to resume as soon as possible,” he added.
The White House did not provide an immediate response on Tuesday to a request for comment from Digital.
Situated between Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the globe’s most vital energy choke points. It transports approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily, as well as about one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas.
U.S. Central Command announced its intention to enforce the blockade earlier Monday in a notice addressed to seafarers.
“Any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded zone without authorization is liable to be intercepted, diverted, or seized,” the notice stated.
Iran has denounced the blockade as “piracy” and has pledged to respond with force, which could potentially terminate the fragile ceasefire with the United States.
Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Amanda Macias contributed to this report.
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