China condemns US naval blockade of Iranian ports as irresponsible and dangerous
via The Namibian6 min read
China has labeled the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as "irresponsible and dangerous," stating it could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire agreement and the safety of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade, which began on Monday after peace talks between the US and Iran failed, is intended to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and encourage China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, to push Tehran to reopen the strait. Iran's ambassador to the UN described the blockade as a "grave violation" of its sovereignty. China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun urged all parties to adhere to ceasefire arrangements and promote dialogue to restore normal traffic in the strait. Guo also denied reports that China was preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran and warned of "resolute countermeasures" if the US imposed additional tariffs on China based on such claims. US Vice-President JD Vance defended the blockade, calling it a response to Iran's "economic terrorism" in the Strait of Hormuz. The US aims to blockade Iran's Gulf ports from the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, avoiding direct confrontation near Iran's coast. Despite the blockade, shipping data indicates that at least four Iran-linked ships crossed the strait on Tuesday, while oil prices fell below $100 per barrel.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Capricorn Group, which owns Bank Windhoek and Capricorn Asset Management, has demonstrated strong performance on the Namibia Securities Exchange NSX over the past year, with its share price increasing by 32.45%. This growth has significantly benefited shareholders. The company is scheduled to release its results on September 25. The NSX Overall Index saw a 1.06% increase, while the NSX Local Index, tracking local companies, rose by 0.06%. Other companies also experienced positive movements, with Nictus Holdings up 17.24%, Namibia Breweries gaining 11.25%, and Mobile Telecommunications Limited increasing by 10.06%. However, some companies, including Letshego Namibia, Alpha Namibia Industries, and Stimulus Investments, recorded declines. Standard Bank Namibia Holdings saw a smaller gain of 0.37% on the latest trading day and is expected to release its interim financial results on August 12. Beyond the main exchange, Agra and Gondwana also showed positive movements, gaining 13.77% and 12.36% respectively. Globally, South Africa's JSE All Share Index increased by 0.79%, and major US markets like the Dow Jones and S&P 500 ended higher, though Japan's Nikkei Index declined by almost 2%. In Namibia, the annual inflation rate was 4.4% in June 2026, with the repo rate at 6.75% and the prime lending rate at 10.25%. Economic growth was 2% in the first quarter of 2026. Brent crude oil increased by 4.60%, reaching about N$1,303.17 US$79.51 per barrel, and the Namibia dollar weakened sligh
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Landless People鈥檚 Movement member of parliament Eneas Emvula has proposed a significant restructuring of the National Assembly to tackle legislative backlogs and delays in critical bills. His proposal, submitted recently, suggests reorganizing weekly sittings to prioritize questions to the executive, committee reports, bills, and motions. Emvula also advocates for increased use of digital systems, including electronic submission for questions and motions, a live digital order paper, and expanded electronic voting to boost efficiency. He stated that these changes would expedite parliamentary business, reduce the growing backlog, strengthen oversight, and improve the legislature鈥檚 effectiveness. Emvula believes the delays are not solely procedural, suggesting potential political motivations within the ruling party. His proposals include dedicating Tuesdays to questions and motions, Wednesdays to ministerial statements, committee reports, bills, and motivated motions, and Thursdays to executive responses. He also suggests a temporary moratorium on new motions, with exceptions for urgent matters, to help clear the existing backlog.