Beijing's statement comes after Iranian parliament ‘reached a consensus' to close Strait of Hormuz but final decision yet to be made
China on Monday urged the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Iran from hitting the global trade routes via sea, after Sunday's US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are important route for international trade and goods and energy,” China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a live-streamed news conference in Beijing.
“Keeping region safe and stable serves common interests of international community,” Guo said, calling on the international community to “promote de-escalation of the conflict, to prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic flow.”
Beijing's statement came after the Iranian parliament Sunday “reached a consensus” to close the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered the world's most important gateway for oil transport.
Maj. Gen. Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, however, said any “final decision in this regard lies with the Supreme National Security Council.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also urged Beijing to stop Tehran from any such move to block the Strait of Hormuz.
Guo, the ministry spokesman, also said Beijing was maintaining communication with Iran and other parties in the conflict.
Urging the UN Security Council members to support the draft resolution by Russia, China, and Pakistan seeking an immediate ceasefire, Guo said the council “cannot sit idly by.”
He said the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites "constitute a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adding Washington's moves had “exacerbated” tensions in the Middle East.
Guo also urged against “spillover of the battlefield.”
He reiterated China was willing to work to “uphold justice and play a constructive role for peace in Middle East.”
Guo said China has evacuated 3,125 citizens from Iran and 500 others from Israel, thanking regional nations, including Türkiye, for their support.
