July 14th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
Some foreign media reporters asked that US President Trump announced the resumption of the maritime blockade against Iran, and China had previously expressed opposition to this. Does China wish to take specific measures in response to this situation? If so, what actions would China take?
Lin Jian stated that China expresses concern over the resurgence of military conflicts in the Gulf region. He called on all parties involved to respond to the strong call from the international community and the region for peace and stability, to maintain rationality and restraint, to safeguard the hard-won ceasefire situation, and to prevent the war from reigniting. It is even more important not to allow the conflict to expand and harm innocent people.
Lin Jian pointed out that respecting the legal rights and interests of the countries along the Hormuz Strait and restoring normal and safe passage through the strait as soon as possible is the common aspiration of the international community. All relevant parties should work towards this goal and handle matters properly. China is willing to continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal, and make unremitting efforts to calm down and stabilize the situation in the Middle East and Gulf regions.
On the 13th, Trump posted a message on social media, stating that the United States would resume its maritime blockade of Iran and charge a 20% fee for all goods transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
After Trump announced the above information, the U.S. Central Command posted a statement on social media, stating that, following instructions from U.S. President Trump, the U.S. military will begin resuming its maritime blockade of Iran at 4 pm on the 14th, Eastern Time.
The US Central Command also stated that from April 13 to June 18, the US implemented a naval blockade against Iran. During this period, more than 140 compliant ships were required to change their course, and nine 'non-compliant ships' lost their ability to navigate.
On June 17th, the United States and Iran announced the official text of their memorandum of understanding. Both parties promised to conduct negotiations and reach a final agreement within 60 days. However, since July 7th, the US military has carried out several rounds of military strikes against Iran, citing it as a response to an attack on a merchant ship by Iran.
