Blocking Strait of Hormuz not in common interests of international community

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has said that blocking the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community.

This was even as he said that achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means was the fundamental way to resolve the issue.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during his meeting with the Special Envoy of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who accompanied the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his visit to China.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in a post on X, said: “China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, on Monday said blocking the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community, and achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue.”

Wang also said that driven by the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have maintained a sound momentum of development.

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi (r), during a meeting with the Special Envoy of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who accompanied the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his visit to China.

He further said that the visit of the crown prince was a significant event in bilateral relations between both countries, adding that the visit would further enhance China-UAE strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

“Wang expounded on China’s principled position on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that China fully understands the legitimate security concerns of Gulf Arab states and supports the UAE in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests.

“China has been committed to promoting ceasefire and ending hostilities, and is willing to work with the international community, including the UAE, to help restore peace and tranquillity to the Middle East as soon as possible,” Yu wrote.

On his part, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak expressed gratitude for the warm and thoughtful arrangements made by the Chinese side for the visit of the crown prince.

He also said that the UAE side appreciated China’s efforts in easing tensions in the Middle East and expected China to play a greater role in that regard.