China Calls Trump's Strait of Hormuz Blockade Dangerous and Irresponsible

Gate News message, April 14 — China on Tuesday condemned the U.S. blockade of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz, which began at 10:00 am Eastern Time on Monday, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that would worsen an already fragile ceasefire situation. Beijing warned that if the U.S. uses this as justification for additional tariffs on China, China will take resolute countermeasures.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said only a comprehensive ceasefire could ease tensions in the waterway. He denied reports that China sent weapons to Iran, calling them “completely made up,” and urged all parties to abide by ceasefire arrangements and restore normal traffic in the strait as soon as possible.

Despite the blockade, BBC Verify reported that ship-tracking data showed four Iran-linked vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz after the action began. Two ships had called at Iranian ports, including bulk carrier Christianna and sanctioned vessels Rich Starry, Murlikishan, and Elpis. However, some ships may have used location spoofing to hide their true positions. Before the conflict, the strait handled an average of 138 ships daily; crossings are now a fraction of that.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA said messages passed between Tehran and mediator Pakistan regarding current developments after weekend talks with Washington collapsed. Reuters reported U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams may return to Islamabad this week to restart talks. Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said preliminary damage estimates from the conflict total approximately $270 billion, with reparations among issues raised in weekend discussions with the U.S.