Kuwait City: China urged on Monday the international community to intensify efforts toward de-escalation to avoid further repercussions of regional unrest on global economic development, amid reports that Iran may move to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the call came in remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing, following media reports that Iran's parliament has approved a measure to close the strait, pending ratification by the country's Supreme National Security Council.
Guo emphasized that the Arabian Gulf and its surrounding waters constitute a vital international corridor for trade and energy supplies. He stressed that preserving regional peace and stability serves the common interests of the global community.
Commenting on a social media post by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which he urged China to prevent Iran from closing the strait, Guo stated that Beijing remains in contact with Tehran regarding the current situation. He also announced that China has evacuated 3,125 of its nationals from Iran since the onset of the latest round of tensions.