Published: 16:27, June 23, 2025 | Updated: 18:04, June 23, 2025
China calls for de-escalation amid Strait of Hormuz concerns
By Zhao Jia
This handout natural-colour image acquired with MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite taken on Feb 5, 2025 shows the Gulf of Oman and the Makran region (center) in southern Iran and southwestern Pakistan, and the Strait of Hormuz (left) and the northern coast of Oman (bottom). (HANDOUT / NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY VIA AFP)

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday that it is in the common interests of the international community to maintain security and stability in the Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters, in response to reports that Iran's parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The decision to close the waterway, a key artery for global energy trade, now rests with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, according to reports by Iranian media.

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"The Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters are important international trade routes for goods and energy," Guo told a daily news briefing.

China called for greater international efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic development, he said.

China also expressed the hope that members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) could jointly support the draft resolution proposed by Russia, China and Pakistan calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East, following the United States' strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.

By doing so, it is conducive to push the Security Council to play a practical role in maintaining international peace and security, Guo said.

Noting the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities was a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, Guo emphasized that the Security Council cannot turn a blind eye to this.

The draft resolution appealed for the immediate and unconditional protection of civilians, compliance with international law, and dialogue and negotiations, Guo said, adding that it has voiced justice and reflected the strong desire of the international community.