BEIJING: China has appealed for an enduring ceasefire in the Middle East and demanded the swift restoration of maritime trade routes as the strategically important Strait of Hormuz continues to face severe disruption, AFP reported.
In an official statement, China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the urgent necessity of restoring calm in the Gulf region and preventing further escalation of tensions.
“A broad and sustainable ceasefire must be achieved at the earliest opportunity to help restore peace and stability across the Middle East and the Gulf,” the ministry stated.
Beijing also stressed that international sea routes should resume operations without delay in line with growing global concerns over trade and energy security.
“Major shipping channels should be reopened promptly in response to the international community’s calls,” the statement added.
The comments were made after questions arose over whether US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Iran-related crisis during their recent summit in Beijing.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and continued instability in the area may have far-reaching consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.
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