China blames US and Israel for Hormuz chaos

China has criticised the United States and Israel for escalating the conflict with Iran, saying the situation has directly disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to TRT World.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described the joint military operation as 'illegal' and called for a de-escalation of tensions. She was also responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that countries reliant on the route should take steps to secure their oil supplies.

Iran, which controls access to the strait, remains at the centre of the crisis. The conflict has already resulted in hundreds of casualties, including American soldiers, while also unsettling global markets and disrupting air traffic.

China, which is heavily dependent on energy imports from the region, has begun taking measures to safeguard supplies. These include urging refiners to maintain production levels and tightening oversight of oil imports.

(pir)