China has called for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the waterway’s critical role in international trade and energy transport. This statement came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a blockade on the strategic passage.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun highlighted the strait’s significance as a vital route for global goods and energy supplies. He stressed that ensuring its security, stability, and free flow aligns with the shared interests of the international community.
In a related development, Russia’s foreign minister is scheduled to visit China this week to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Guo Jiakun announced that Sergei Lavrov would undertake an official visit from April 14 to 15 at the invitation of China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi.
The US military has declared plans to enforce a blockade on all Iranian ports in the Gulf starting Monday at 1400 GMT. This move aims to control maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported.
US Central Command clarified that the blockade would be applied impartially to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, the United States assured that it would not obstruct the freedom of navigation for ships transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports.
