China on Monday called for calm and restraint following a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Iran war failed.
Before the conflict, most Iranian oil exports were shipped to China, the world’s largest importer of crude.
China’s foreign ministry said maintaining the safety, stability and unimpeded flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was in the interest of the international community.
“China hopes the relevant parties will abide by the temporary ceasefire arrangements, remain committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and avoid a resumption of hostilities,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing.
He added that China stood ready to “play a positive and constructive role” in resolving the crisis, describing the talks in the Pakistani capital as a step in a direction conducive to easing tensions.
However, after the marathon negotiations failed, the U.S. Central Command said its forces would begin a blockade of all maritime traffic with Iranian ports from 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday.
China and Pakistan had previously backed peace efforts in March, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit for around a fifth of global oil and gas supplies.
Guo also rejected reports that China planned to supply weapons to Iran, describing them as “groundless smears and malicious associations”.
Last week, Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 50%, without exemptions, on imports from countries supplying Iran with military weapons.
“China has consistently taken a prudent and responsible approach to arms exports,” Guo said, adding that controls were in line with domestic laws and international obligations.
(with inputs from Rueters)
