China has officially expressed concern following the interception of an Iranian cargo vessel by United States naval forces, calling on both countries to exercise caution and prevent any severe escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
This statement came after US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had intercepted and disabled the Iranian-flagged ship Touska, which allegedly attempted to breach a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel remains in US custody.
Highlighting the global significance of the waterway, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed reporters in Beijing on Monday, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international trade and that its security is vital for the global community.
Guo specifically expressed concern over the US military’s use of force, noting that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the vessel after its crew reportedly ignored multiple warnings to stop. China has urged both Washington and Tehran to uphold their responsibilities and preserve the delicate stability of the region to ensure uninterrupted international commerce.
Meanwhile, this maritime incident unfolds amid a sensitive diplomatic moment, with a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire set to expire at dawn on Wednesday. Beijing has called on all parties to sustain the progress of the current truce and prioritize a political solution over renewed conflict.
The conflict began on 28 February following joint US and Israeli strikes and was temporarily halted on 8 April. Although high-level negotiations took place in Islamabad earlier this month, they concluded without a definitive resolution.
In a significant development, President Trump has sent a negotiating team to Pakistan for a second round of talks. However, Tehran has yet to confirm its participation, leaving the future of the regional de-escalation efforts uncertain.
