China Urges Restraint as US Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports

Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the strait was an important channel for international trade in goods and energy, and that “maintaining its safety, stability and unimpeded passage serves the common interests of the international community”.

“The root cause of disruptions to navigation through the strait lies in the conflict involving Iran, and the way to resolve this issue is to achieve a ceasefire and end hostilities as soon as possible. All parties should remain calm and exercise restraint,” Guo told reporters.

“China stands ready to continue playing a positive and constructive role.”

Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would begin blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the strait, after 21 hours of talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

Later in the day, US Central Command said American forces would begin “impartially” implementing the blockade against “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports”, starting on Monday at 10am Washington time. The measure would apply to all Iranian ports along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.