China Condemns US Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports as Dangerous and Irresponsible

China condemned the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a dangerous and irresponsible act.

“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Beijing as the United States blocks the Strait of Hormuz, through which China imports about a third of its oil supplies”

Al Jazeera

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said only a comprehensive ceasefire can create conditions for easing the situation.

Al Jazeera

The blockade directly cuts off China's supply, with Beijing being the largest buyer of Iranian crude.

China dismissed reports of supplying weapons to Iran as completely fabricated.

President Xi Jinping warned against a return to the law of the jungle and pledged China would play a constructive role.

China imports around 50 percent of its crude oil from the Persian Gulf, including about 10 percent from Iran.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun confirmed that Chinese vessels continue to operate in the Strait of Hormuz.

An-Nahar

China has intensified its diplomatic activity, hosting leaders including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Sanchez has publicly supported a greater Chinese role in mediation.

Trump threatened to levy tariffs of up to 50 percent on Chinese goods if Beijing provided military assistance to Tehran.

“US blockade of Iran ports irresponsible and dangerous, China says China has called the US naval blockade of Iranian ports "irresponsible and dangerous"”

BBC

China has firmly denied the claims as completely fabricated.

The dispute highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of global competition.

Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for high-level talks with Xi.