China urges US and Iran to restore safe passage in Strait of Hormuz

China has called on the United States and Iran to restore safe maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, expressing concern over the resumption of military conflict in the region. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the early restoration of safe navigation in the strait is in the common interest of the international community, and that China will continue its efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the situation.

The call for de-escalation comes as tensions between the US and Iran have sharply escalated following the collapse of the ceasefire. The US has announced plans to impose a 20% tax on cargo ships passing through the strait, while Iran has responded by imposing restrictions on shipping. Iran’s military has rejected the US announcement, stating that the strait “cannot be reopened through war, hostility, and American aggression.”

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies pass, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. The US has conducted strikes to keep the waterway open, while Iran has launched attacks on commercial shipping and vowed to defend its control over the strait. The situation has raised concerns about global energy supplies and the potential for a wider conflict in the region.

China, as a major importer of oil from the Middle East, has a significant interest in the stability of the strait and the free flow of maritime traffic. Beijing has called for restraint and dialogue, urging both sides to resolve their differences through peaceful means. However, with both the US and Iran trading military strikes and threats, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution appear increasingly uncertain.

The escalation has also seen US fighter jets reportedly bomb Iranian targets on Kish Island, with explosions heard in Qeshm, according to Arab media. The attacks have further heightened tensions and raised the risk of a broader regional conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation that would restore stability and ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the strategic waterway.