China has condemned the United States over its blockade of Iranian ports, describing the action as “dangerous and irresponsible,” while President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Middle East.
The standoff escalated after US President Donald Trump warned that American forces could target vessels moving in and out of Iranian ports and coastal waters in the Gulf.
The threat followed the collapse of recent talks between Washington and Tehran, despite both sides having agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire just days earlier. The blockade officially took effect at 1400 GMT on Monday.
Responding to the development, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun criticised Washington’s actions, warning of heightened instability.
“The US increased military deployments and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise the safety of passage through the Strait (of Hormuz),” he told a news conference.
“This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour,” he added.
Amid the tensions, Iran has effectively restricted movement through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, allowing passage only to vessels linked to countries it considers allies, including China.
Observers say the blockade is part of Washington’s strategy to cut off Iran’s revenue streams while also putting pressure on Beijing — the largest importer of Iranian oil — to influence Tehran into reopening the waterway, which typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Iran’s envoy to the United Nations denounced the move, calling it a “grave violation” of the country’s sovereignty.
Speaking publicly on the conflict for the first time, Xi echoed concerns about escalating tensions, urging respect for the sovereignty of nations across the Middle East and the Gulf.
He made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where he pledged that China would continue to play a “constructive role” in advancing peace talks.
The crisis has also spilled into trade relations between Washington and Beijing.
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Trump has threatened to impose fresh tariffs on Chinese imports amid allegations that China is supplying — or planning to supply — weapons to Iran.
The US president, who is expected to visit Beijing next month, said on Sunday that a 50 percent tariff would be introduced if such support is confirmed.
China has firmly rejected the claims. Guo described the reports as “completely fabricated,” warning that Beijing would respond decisively to any additional tariffs.
“If the US insists on using this as an excuse to impose additional tariffs on China, China will definitely take resolute countermeasures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Beijing is hosting a number of international leaders this week as the Middle East crisis deepens.
Vietnam’s To Lam and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov both arrived on Tuesday for talks expected to cover the conflict and broader bilateral cooperation.
Russia has indicated that Lavrov will meet with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to discuss the Middle East situation, following a recent call in which both sides agreed to coordinate efforts to ease tensions.
Also in Beijing is Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose visit is largely focused on strengthening trade ties.
Speaking to reporters, Sanchez said China could play an “important role” in resolving the conflict. During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi cautioned against a return to power-driven global politics.
“Both China and Spain are principled countries that stand for justice. They should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and cooperate closely to oppose the world’s regression to the law of the jungle,” Xi said.