BEIJING: China urged the United States and Iran to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid renewed military action that threatens shipping in the Gulf region.
The China Hormuz appeal followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to resume a naval blockade of Iranian ports. At the same time, he abandoned a proposed 20% charge on cargo passing through the waterway.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said restoring normal and safe navigation was a shared international objective. He said Beijing would continue efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Trump said on Tuesday that trade and investment agreements with Gulf states would replace the proposed reimbursement fee.
He also declared that the strait would remain open to international traffic. However, vessels serving Iranian ports or carrying Iranian cargo would be excluded.
US Central Command said its forces would enforce the blockade against maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports from 4 pm Eastern Time on July 14. The operation began at 1 am Pakistan Standard Time on July 15.
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China has consistently described the Strait of Hormuz as an international navigation route. Its Foreign Ministry has said that restoring free and safe passage serves the interests of regional states and the wider international community.
The waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. It provides a critical export route for oil and liquefied natural gas produced across the Gulf.
