China firmly dismissed allegations made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an Iranian-flagged cargo ship recently intercepted by American forces. Trump had suggested that the vessel might have been a “gift from China,” a claim Beijing rejected outright.
The United States reported that it fired upon and seized the Iranian ship as it attempted to bypass a blockade imposed on Iranian ports. Iran’s military condemned the seizure, describing it as an act of “armed piracy” by the U.S. and warned of potential retaliation. The vessel was reportedly en route from China at the time of the incident.
Earlier in the week, during an interview with CNBC, Trump remarked that the ship “had some things on it, which wasn’t very nice. A gift from China perhaps, I don’t know.” In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected the accusation, emphasizing that China opposes any unfounded claims or associations.
Guo further stated that “normal international trade relations between countries should not be subject to interference and disruption,” underscoring China’s stance on free trade and maritime commerce.
Maritime security officials have identified the container ship as the Touska, which was seized by U.S. forces on Sunday. The vessel is suspected of carrying dual-use goods that Washington believes could have military applications, intensifying the geopolitical tensions surrounding the incident.
