China presses for strait reopening

Hormuz an int’l waterway, must remain open to normal navigation: Xi to Saudi prince MbS 

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for normal passage of ships, as Beijing described it as an “international waterway” amid assertions by Iran it has an inalienable right over it. The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal navigation, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community, Xi told Saudi Crown Prince Moham­med bin Salman (R) during their phone talks, a statement said.

This is the first statement by the Chinese leader on the closure of the strait by Iran, followed by the US blockade of Iranian ports.

“The Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which aligns with the common interest of countries in the region and the international community,” Xi said in his call with the Saudi Prince.

“China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels,” he said.

Separately, the Chinese foreign ministry has expressed concern over the US Navy firing on a cargo ship travelling from China heading to an Iranian port. “We express concern over the forced interception of relevant vessel by the US,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told the media.

He called the strait an international waterway in respon­se to an Iranian official’s assertion Iran would not cede control over it, saying Tehran has an “inalienable right” over it.

The situation in the strait is sensitive and complex, Guo said. 

“We hope relevant parties will act responsibly, abide by the ceasefire agreement, avoid provoking conflicts and exacerbating tensions, and create the necessary conditions for the resumption of normal navigation in the strait,” Guo said.

—AP