China Condemns U.S. Hormuz Blockade, Warns Tariff Response

At a foreign ministry briefing in Beijing, China condemned the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “dangerous and irresponsible.” The briefing stated the action, enforced by U.S. naval forces, began at 10:00 a.m. Eastern on Monday. China urged an immediate, full ceasefire to restore normal shipping and warned it would take “resolute countermeasures” if Washington used the blockade to justify new tariffs on Chinese goods.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters the blockade would worsen an already fragile ceasefire, damage regional stability and disrupt trade flows. He rejected reports that China had supplied weapons to Iran as “completely made up” and called on all parties to return to dialogue, adhere to ceasefire arrangements and take practical steps to reopen the strait.

Chinese officials highlighted economic risks tied to the strait. Beijing is the largest buyer of Iranian crude, and a disruption of shipments through the waterway would reduce China’s supply options and affect global oil markets. Before the conflict, the passage handled an average of about 138 ships per day; crossings have fallen sharply since the blockade began.

Analysts who reviewed ship-tracking data identified four vessels linked to Iran that transited the strait after the blockade took effect. The bulk carrier Christianna departed Bandar Imam Khomeini and passed through the passage. A vessel listed under U.S. sanctions sailed east from Sharjah. A sanctioned tanker left Lanshan, China, and was last reported off Qeshm Island. Another sanctioned tanker departed Bushehr and moved east; its destination was not reported. Tracking experts cautioned that some ships may have used electronic spoofing to disguise positions and port calls, complicating verification of cargo routes.

Diplomatic contacts continued alongside the naval action. Tehran exchanged messages with Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary, about current developments after weekend talks with U.S. negotiators stalled. Diplomatic sources indicate U.S. and Iranian teams could return to Islamabad this week to try to restart negotiations aimed at ending the fighting.

Iran is compiling a tally of losses from the conflict. Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani provided a preliminary damage estimate of roughly $270 billion and said Tehran intends to press for reparations in any resumed negotiations.