Don't interfere: China fires warning shot at US over Hormuz blockade

A senior Chinese official has warned the United States against imposing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and cautioned it not to interfere in China’s bilateral relations with Iran. Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun's warning coincided with the start of the US naval blockade at 7:30 pm IST on Monday.

"We have trade and energy agreements with Iran; we expect others not to interfere in our affairs," Jun said, adding that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for China.

The waterway is extremely crucial for Beijing as it supplies nearly 40 per cent of its oil and at least 30 per cent of its LNG needs. Hence, China has been pushing for a ceasefire to secure the critical waterway in the Gulf.

According to some experts, Trump's naval blockade could be aimed at the Chinese yuan used



by some vessels to transit the critical Gulf chokepoint – seen as a challenge to the decades-old petrodollar system and a means to sidestep US sanctions.

China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated its support for a ceasefire, arguing that the waterway's "safety, stability and unimpeded passage" serves the common interests of the international community.

“The root cause of disruptions to navigation through the strait lies in the conflict involving Iran, and the way to resolve this issue is to achieve a ceasefire and end hostilities as soon as possible,” SCMP quoted spokesperson Guo Jiakun as saying.

He also added that China is ready to play a positive and constructive role in ending the conflict in the Middle East – a region where China is competing with the US for influence.