China warned that a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would threaten global trade, and called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict with Iran.
Without directly mentioning the United States, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the “root cause” of the crisis lay in the continuing war. He urged the parties to show “restraint and calm” as the U.S. Navy prepares to impose an embargo on all vessels bound for Iranian ports.
“All sides should remain calm and exercise restraint,” Guo said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Monday. “China stands ready to continue playing a positive and constructive role.”
The statement came after President Donald Trump vowed to cut off maritime traffic—following drawn-out talks in Pakistan that failed to produce a peace agreement. Amid the escalation, Brent crude rose back above $100 a barrel.
Guo described the talks as “an important step toward de-escalation” and called on the parties involved to honor the terms of the temporary ceasefire.