Daijiworld Media Network – Beijing

Beijing, Apr 14: China has issued a strong warning to the United States over its decision to impose a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington not to interfere in Beijing’s trade and energy ties with Iran.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Monday said that China would continue to honour its agreements with Tehran, asserting that Chinese vessels would keep operating in the region despite escalating tensions.

“Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honour those agreements and expect others not to interfere in our affairs,” he said.

He also maintained that Iran controls the strait and that it remains open for Chinese shipping.

The warning comes after the United States Central Command enforced a naval blockade, leading to disruptions in maritime movement. At least two oil and chemical tankers were reportedly forced to turn back, including a vessel bound for China that reversed course shortly after the blockade took effect.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical energy corridor for China, supplying nearly 40 per cent of its oil and around 30 per cent of its LNG requirements. Any disruption in the region has significant implications for global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump announced that vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports would be stopped, warning that any Iranian naval craft approaching US ships would be “eliminated.”

CENTCOM stated that the blockade would be enforced impartially on vessels of all nations operating in and around Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

The development follows the collapse of recent talks between the US and Iran, which were aimed at reaching a broader agreement after a temporary ceasefire, further heightening tensions in the region.