BEIJING: China urged calm and restraint by all sides on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following the failure of weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Iran war, Reuters reported.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun added the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global trade and energy flows, adding that maintaining maritime security is crucial for the international community.
“China hopes the relevant parties will abide by the temporary ceasefire arrangements, remain committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and avoid a resumption of hostilities,” he stated.
China stood ready to “play a positive and constructive role” in resolving the crisis, Guo added, calling the opening talks in the Pakistani capital a step in a direction conducive to easing tension.
Guo Jiakun added disruptions in navigation in the region have historical roots dating back to the Iran-Iraq War. He noted that the long-term solution lies in an immediate ceasefire and sustained regional stability.
Direct talk between the United States and Iran — known as the Islamabad Talks — ended without an agreement today.
Delegations from the two sides, with Ghalibaf leading the Iranian side and US Vice President JD Vance leading Washington’s effort, had met in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Saturday for talks mediated by Pakistan; however, the parties concluded without reaching any agreement.
After the end of the Islamabad round of talks without agreement or conclusion, Trump’s remarks on tightening maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz further heightened tensions in a region already on edge due to stalled diplomacy.
China urged all parties to exercise calm and avoid escalation, reiterating that dialogue and political settlement remain the only viable path forward.
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