ISTANBUL: China on Monday expressed concern after US forces intercepted an Iranian cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, urging both Washington and Tehran to avoid escalation and maintain stability in the region.
Reacting to the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stressed the importance of the strategic waterway, describing it as vital for global trade and energy flows.
“Strait of Hormuz is an important” route for international commerce, he said, adding that maintaining its safety and stability “serves the interests of international community.”
“On the US taking the (Iranian) ship by force, we express our concern,” Guo said, calling for restraint from both sides.
American naval forces
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump said American naval forces intercepted and disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to breach a US naval blockade. The USS Spruance reportedly stopped the vessel after it ignored repeated warnings, with US Marines taking control of the ship.
China also called on both countries to de-escalate tensions and move towards a political resolution.
Beijing urged the two sides to “fulfil their obligations, abide by the ceasefire, to prevent escalation and provide necessary conditions for re-normalization of the strait,” while also asking them to “maintain momentum of ceasefire, continue to promote de-escalation.”
The development comes as diplomatic efforts continue to revive talks between the US and Iran, including a second round of negotiations expected to be held in Pakistan following an earlier ceasefire.
