As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil
Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies.
China urged restraint Monday as a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz took effect, rebuffing President Donald Trump’s call for Beijing to turn away from Iranian oil.
What happened: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the regional conflict as the “root cause” of disruptions in the strait, saying the fighting must end when asked about the blockade.
“The conflict must stop as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint,” Guo told reporters during a press conference. “China will continue playing a constructive role.”
Guo added that China is willing to work to “jointly safeguard global energy security and keep supply chains stable,” without elaborating.
