Hormuz obstruction stems from US-Israeli attack on Iran, says Chinese spokesperson

In response to Donald Trump calling on other countries to "take oil" from the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that obstruction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz stems from the illegal US-Israeli military operations against Iran at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

She said only a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region can ensure the safety and unimpeded passage of international shipping lanes.

All parties should work together to help ease tensions and prevent regional turbulence from having a greater impact on the global economy and energy security, she added.

Responding to a query about whether China is considering, or will consider, any international cooperation to ensure the safe passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, Mao said the priority for restoring safe navigation in the strait is an immediate halt to military operations.

She added that only in this way can peace and stability be restored in the Middle East and the Gulf region, which is what the international community hopes to see.

Mao noted that all parties are indeed concerned about whether peace and stability can be restored in the strait as soon as possible and whether navigation can resume, emphasizing that the strait and its surrounding waters are a vital route for international cargo and energy trade.

All parties should make efforts toward this end, and China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role, Mao said.