The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “grave concern” on Saturday regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the rhetoric, Beijing made no mention of deploying naval assets to secure the vital waterway, coming only hours after US President Donald Trump publicly called on China to join a maritime security coalition.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian characterized the current climate as “tense” and a threat to global stability.
“China once again calls on all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, and prevent regional turmoil from inflicting greater negative impacts on global economic development,” he stated.
The diplomatic friction follows an interview with the Financial Times, in which President Trump argued that nations benefiting from navigation through the Strait of Hormuz should contribute to its protection.
“I believe China should help as well because they get 90 percent of their oil from the Strait,” Trump remarked.
He added that he intends to clarify Beijing’s stance before his scheduled state visit to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, adding, “We might postpone the trip.”
The US President earlier posted on his “Truth Social” platform, asserting that numerous nations—particularly those affected by Iran’s attempts to close the Strait—should coordinate with the US to send warships to keep the passage open and secure.
Trump anticipated that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and other nations would deploy naval forces to the region.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
