China has raised concerns over the United States’ reported seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, urging all parties to avoid escalation and maintain momentum toward ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as “sensitive and complicated,” warning that tensions in the region risk further destabilisation of global maritime trade. He called on all sides to act responsibly and ensure conditions for the resumption of normal shipping through the strategic waterway.
“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complicated,” Guo said at a regular briefing, adding that relevant parties should “avoid further escalation and create the necessary conditions for normal transit through the strait to resume.”
The statement follows US claims that its forces fired on and seized an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to bypass restrictions on Iranian ports. Tehran has alleged that the ship was travelling from China and condemned the interception as “armed piracy,” warning of retaliatory measures.
Beijing also urged continued diplomatic engagement, stressing that the current ceasefire framework must be preserved despite rising tensions. Guo said there is now a “window for peace” and called on parties to “create favourable conditions to bring the war to an end as soon as possible.”
China’s remarks come amid heightened regional instability, with maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz increasingly at the centre of tensions between Washington and Tehran.