BUTOLPOST Beijing — Global tensions have heated up again after the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump officially imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. This controversial step immediately drew a strong reaction from China, which considered that this policy would not solve the root of the problem.
Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that military conflict was the main cause of disrupting stability in the region.
“Blockade is not a solution. The root of the problem is conflict, and it must be stopped as soon as possible,” said Guo at a press conference in Beijing, Tuesday (14/4).
The blockade announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) was imposed following the failure of negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad.
This policy covers all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Gulf region, including in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
This move further muddied the situation after Trump issued a stern warning that Iranian ships approaching the blockade zone would be “eliminated”. This statement is considered to increase the risk of open conflict in this strategic area.
On the other hand, Iran, through Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, accused the US of being the party that thwarted the peace agreement.
“Iran has been negotiating in good faith. But instead we are faced with threats and unilateral demands,” said Araghchi.
Threats also came from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which warned that no port in the Gulf and Sea of Oman would be safe if the blockade continued. Iran has even opened the possibility of restricting access to ships deemed to be affiliated with enemies.
This situation immediately had a major impact on global shipping activities. Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz reportedly stopped completely, with many ships choosing to turn around to avoid the risk of conflict.
As a vital route through which around 20 percent of the world’s energy supply flows, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have sparked fears of a global energy crisis. China also called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue.
“Regional stability is a common interest for the world. Peace must be the top priority,” concluded Guo.
These increasing tensions put the world at a critical point—where regional conflicts have the potential to turn into a broader global crisis.***
