China has described the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as “irresponsible and dangerous.” Beijing’s foreign ministry stated that the move would “undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement” and further jeopardize the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway Iran effectively closed in response to US-Israeli strikes.
The blockade came into effect on Monday, a day after peace talks between the US and Iran collapsed in Pakistan. US President Donald Trump has declared the measure is intended to compel Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Analysts suggest the move is also designed to pressure China – the largest buyer of Iranian oil – to encourage Tehran to reopen the strait.
Until now, Chinese vessels were among the few that managed to navigate through the strait. It remains unclear whether they had to pay a toll to Iran to do so. The US blockade could potentially cut off China’s supply and have significant consequences for its economy.
“China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation in the strait,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun. “China urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire arrangements, focus on the general direction of dialogue and peace talks, take practical actions to promote the easing of the regional situation, and restore normal traffic in the strait as soon as possible.”
Guo also told a news conference on Tuesday that reports of China preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran were “completely fabricated.” Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on China’s goods if military assistance was provided to Tehran. “If the US insists on using this as an excuse to impose additional tariffs on China, China will definitely take resolute countermeasures,” Guo stated.
This development follows US Vice-President JD Vance’s accusation of “economic terrorism” against Iran for its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, having attacked and threatened to attack vessels passing through since last month. “Well, as the president of the United States showed, two can play at that game,” Vance told Fox News. “If the Iranians are going to try to engage in economic terrorism, we’re going to abide by the simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out, either.”
The US has clarified that its military would not impede ships using the strait to go to and from non-Iranian ports. Instead, it aims to blockade Iran’s Gulf ports by operating its navy in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, rather than risking its vessels close to Iran’s coast. However, shipping data analyzed by BBC Verify indicates that at least four Iran-linked ships crossed the strait on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, oil prices fell back below $100 per barrel on Tuesday. A delicate and fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in place, implemented on April 8. Major points of contention between the two sides include the status of the Strait of Hormuz and whether Lebanon is included in the agreement. Israel maintains that the truce applies only to Iran and has continued heavy strikes against Hezbollah, killing hundreds. Direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials are scheduled to be held in the US later – the first such negotiations in decades.
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