China calls US blockade dangerous, irresponsible

A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry has said the US' targeted blockade and its increased military deployment are dangerous and irresponsible.

Guo Jiakun was speaking on Tuesday, a day after the US military announced a blockade of all ships going to and from Iran.

At a time when the parties concerned have reached a temporary ceasefire arrangement, the blockade will only aggravate tensions, further destabilize the situation, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further jeopardize navigational security in the Strait of Hormuz, Guo said.

"China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the fighting can conditions be fundamentally created for easing tensions in the strait," he added.

The spokesman reiterated that China urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire arrangement reached between Iran and the US, stay focused on the broader direction of dialogue and negotiations, take concrete actions to ease regional tensions, and restore normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz at an early date.