China denies supplying weapons to Iran, condemns US blockade as 'irresponsible'

• China condemned the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a dangerous act that threatens regional stability.
• A Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected reports that China is supplying weapons to Iran.

Beijing has strongly condemned the United States' naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling the move a "dangerous and irresponsible act" that threatens to further inflame tensions across the Middle East.

Warning of 'countermeasures' over new tariff threats

The Chinese foreign ministry also issued a stark warning regarding bilateral trade, vowing to implement strict 'countermeasures' should US President Donald Trump follow through on his recent threats to impose sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods.

Undermining a fragile peace

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed during a press conference on Tuesday, warning that the targeted blockade coupled with increased US military deployments, severely risks derailing an "already fragile ceasefire situation".

Guo Jiakun emphasized that only a full cessation of hostilities can resolve the ongoing crisis. He noted that Beijing will continue its efforts to help restore peace and stability in the region.

Read more: US military says to begin blockade of all Iran ports at 1400 GMT Monday

High economic stakes for Beijing

The closure of the vital shipping channel presents a significant threat to China's energy security. Because Beijing is the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil, the US blockade directly severs this critical supply line, carrying the potential for a far-reaching impact on the Chinese economy.

Denying arms sales and urging dialogue

During the briefing, Guo also took the opportunity to firmly dismiss recent allegations that China has been arming the Islamic Republic, rejecting the reports of weapons supplies as "completely made up."

Calling for an immediate return to diplomacy, the spokesman outlined Beijing's stance on resolving the maritime standoff.

"China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation in the strait," Guo stated.

He added that China urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire arrangements, focus on the general direction of dialogue and peace talks, take practical actions to promote the easing of the regional situation, and restore normal traffic in the strait as soon as possible.