China Defies Blockade as Global Backlash Grows

China has condemned the US naval blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible,” with Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling on the international community to promote peace talks and preserve the “extremely fragile” ceasefire.

A US-sanctioned Chinese tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday in apparent defiance of the blockade.

Beijing, which relies on Iranian crude for a third of its oil needs, has resisted pressure to take sides in the conflict.

France and the UK are separately organising a multinational conference aimed at restoring freedom of navigation without military confrontation.

Saudi Arabia has also called on Washington to lift the blockade and return to talks.