China calls for calm, ceasefire as Hormuz tensions rise

A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, stressing that achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue.

Wang made the remarks during his meeting in Beijing with Special Envoy of UAE President to China Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who is accompanying HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on a visit to China.

Earlier in the day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also responded to a query about US President Donald Trump announcing on Sunday that the US Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed to produce a deal.

Guo said the Strait of Hormuz is a vital international corridor for trade and energy transportation. Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community. He noted that disruptions to navigation in the strait stem from the ongoing US-Iran conflict, stressing that the way forward lies in achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible. All parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, he added, noting that China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role.

Reactions from relevant parties

Iran strongly condemned the US move, saying restrictions on maritime navigation in international waters violate international law and constitute piracy, according to a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unified command of the Iranian armed forces.

European leaders broadly stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and safeguarding freedom of navigation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that restoring navigation in the strait is of "paramount" importance, warning that the disruption is causing significant damage.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that the United Kingdom would not be drawn into the conflict and does not support any blockade of the strait. He emphasized that efforts should focus on ensuring the waterway remains open.

"It is, in my view, vital that we get the strait open and fully open, and that's where we've put all of our efforts in the last few weeks, and we'll continue to do so," Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Echoing Starmer, French President ‌Emmanuel Macron on Monday confirmed that they will soon organize with ​Britain a conference ‌aimed at ⁠restoring freedom of navigation on the Strait of ‌Hormuz, adding that any ‌such naval mission would be done on a strictly defensive ⁠basis ‌only.

The Kremlin criticized a proposed US blockade, stating it would negatively affect global markets. 

Spain and Germany also voiced concerns. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles described the proposed blockade as "senseless" and called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, stressing the importance of respecting international law. The German government said it expects negotiations to continue, viewing the move as an attempt to increase pressure rather than the end of the diplomatic process.

Türkiye emphasized the need to ensure free passage through the strait. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said international transit should remain free and unimpeded, adding that Ankara is maintaining contacts with both Washington and Tehran to help advance talks and assess how it can contribute to the negotiation process.

Diplomatic efforts and next steps

Amid mounting tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, mediators are working to arrange another round of US-Iran talks within days, after earlier negotiations in Islamabad ended without agreement.

Key sticking points include whether the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened without transit fees, the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and Tehran's demand for the release of about $27 billion in frozen revenues.

Pakistani authorities, who hosted the initial talks, are reportedly in close contact with both sides in a bid to revive dialogue before a fragile ceasefire deadline on April 22. While no breakthrough has been reached, mediators remain cautiously optimistic that continued engagement could help avert a return to open conflict.

(With input from agencies)