China voices concern over US seizure of Iranian ship, urges restraint in Hormuz

BEIJING: China expressed concern on Monday over what it described as the “forced interception” of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship by the United States, urging all parties to avoid escalation and adhere to a ceasefire agreement.

“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complicated,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing.

He called on the parties involved to act with restraint and “create the necessary conditions for normal transit through the strait to resume”.

The comments came after the United States said it had fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship that attempted to run its blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran’s military said the vessel had been travelling from China and condemned the incident as “armed piracy” by the US military, vowing retaliation.

Beijing also urged all sides to maintain momentum towards de-escalation.

“Parties should continue to maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations,” Guo said. “Now that a window for peace has opened, favourable conditions should be created to bring the war to an end as soon as possible.”