China criticizes US blockade of Iranian ports as dangerous and irresponsible
via Punch Nigeria19 hours ago3 min read
China has accused the United States of "dangerous and irresponsible" behavior following the US blockade of Iranian ports. President Xi Jinping stated that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace in the Middle East. The blockade, which began on Monday, followed failed peace talks between Washington and Tehran and came despite a recent two-week ceasefire agreement. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun warned that the US action would escalate tensions, undermine the ceasefire, and jeopardize safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has since restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz to only vessels from countries it considers friendly, such as China. Analysts suggest the blockade aims to cut off Iran's funding and pressure Beijing, a major buyer of Iranian oil, to encourage Tehran to reopen the strait. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations called the blockade a "grave violation" of Iran's sovereignty. President Xi, meeting with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized the need to respect the national sovereignty of Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. China also opposed US threats of tariffs on Chinese products if Beijing supplied weapons to Iran, with Guo calling such reports "completely fabricated" and vowing "resolute countermeasures" if tariffs are imposed. China is hosting leaders from countries affected by the Middle East conflict this week, including Vietnam's To Lam, Russia's Foreign Minister Ser
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Original source
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
