China’s foreign ministry has sharply criticised the United States’ move to implement a naval blockade on Iranian ports, warning that heightened U.S. military deployment in the Persian Gulf will only aggravate tensions and threaten global energy flows. In a statement on 14 April 2026, Beijing described Washington’s action which targets vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz — as “dangerous and irresponsible,” and said unilateral measures of this kind risk destabilising an already fragile regional security environment.
Chinese officials reiterated that only a comprehensive ceasefire between the United States and Iran can realistically ease the situation, and urged all sides to return to diplomacy instead of escalating through military and economic pressure. The foreign ministry emphasised that China opposes any attempt to choke off Iran’s maritime commerce, noting that such steps would not only harm Iran but also disrupt shipping routes used by neutral countries and further rattle oil markets.
The remarks come after the U.S. Navy began enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, following the collapse of high‑level talks aimed at halting hostilities. Iran has warned it may respond by tightening its own control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one‑fifth of seaborne oil passes. Chinese diplomats have framed the crisis as a test of global responsibility, arguing that extra‑regional powers should avoid “fuelling the fire” and instead help create conditions for a lasting ceasefire.
Key highlights
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China slams U.S. Iranian‑ports blockade
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Calls move “dangerous and irresponsible”
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Warns Gulf tensions will worsen
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Stresses need for comprehensive ceasefire
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Blames war, urges diplomatic solution