By Zoila Palma: Today, China condemned the United States’ blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move “dangerous and irresponsible” and warning it could further inflame tensions in the region.
Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the action, which began Monday morning, threatens to destabilize an already fragile ceasefire and heighten risks in the vital global shipping route.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters that only a full ceasefire can ease the situation, stressing that China would continue efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, CNBC reports.
China, a longtime supporter of Iran, has a major economic stake in the waterway, as it remains the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil. The blockade effectively cuts off that supply, raising concerns about broader economic impacts for Beijing.
The U.S. action came after stalled peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend, and is seen as an attempt to pressure Iran to reopen the strait.
The blockade marks a sharp escalation despite a pause in hostilities agreed on April 7.
The post International News: China slams U.S. Strait of Hormuz blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, China condemned the United States’ blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move “dangerous and irresponsible” and warning it could further inflame tensions in the region. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the action, which began Monday morning, threatens to destabilize an already fragile ceasefire and heighten
The post International News: China slams U.S. Strait of Hormuz blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.