China Warns US Blockade of Hormuz Strait Threatens Energy Security, Vows Action
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- China warns that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens its energy security, as a significant portion of its oil and gas passes through the waterway.
- Beijing criticizes the US actions as "dangerous and irresponsible," stating they will exacerbate tensions and endanger passage.
- China vows to take necessary measures to ensure its energy security, while a Chinese oil tanker crossed the Strait amid the US blockade.
The United States' unilateral actions in the Strait of Hormuz represent a grave threat not only to regional stability but directly to China's vital economic interests. As our nation relies heavily on this critical chokepoint for a substantial percentage of its energy imports, any disruption orchestrated by Washington is viewed with extreme concern and is unacceptable.
The United States increased military operations and took a blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further endanger the security of passage through the Strait.
Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rightly condemned the US blockade as "dangerous and irresponsible." Such escalatory measures undermine fragile ceasefires and jeopardize the security of global energy transit. China firmly opposes the use of force and the violation of other countries' sovereignty. President Xi Jinping's emphasis on preventing a return to the "law of the jungle" underscores our commitment to international order based on cooperation, not coercion.
We must not allow the world to return to the law of the jungle.
While the US claims its actions are aimed at pressuring Iran, the reality is that these maneuvers create instability that could have unforeseen consequences for global energy security. The transit of our tanker, the Rich Starry, through the Strait demonstrates our resolve to ensure our energy needs are met. China will not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard our energy security, and we urge all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military confrontation.
China firmly opposes the use of force to violate the sovereignty and security of other countries in international relations.
Originally published by Granma in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.