Strait of Hormuz: Force will only lead to a vicious circle

…Says we are in communication with relevant parties to work for de-escalation of situation

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Chinese Government, has said that there is no point applying force towards the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will only lead to a vicious circle.

This was even as the Chinese Government strongly called on parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, and not continue the war that should not have happened.

The Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, stated this during his regular press conference on Monday in Beijing.

Lin was responding to the 48 hours ultimatum issued to the Islamic Republic of Iran by United States President Donald Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, threatening to obliterate Iranian power plants if they do not.

Lin, while responding to the question by AFP, noted that the conflict in the Middle East is still spreading and spilling over.

He also said that if the conflict continued to expand and the situation once again escalate, the whole region will be plunged into chaos.

“Force will only lead to a vicious circle. China strongly calls on parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, and not continue the war that should not have happened,” Lin said.

On how China planned to assist other Asian countries in addressing the issue of fertilizer shortage, Lin further said the situation in the Middle East has dealt a blow to global energy and trade security.

“Relevant countries should immediately stop military operations and prevent the regional turmoil from causing a greater impact on global economic growth. On the specifics that you mentioned, I’d refer you to competent authorities,” Lin also said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson further dwelt on China’s statement calling on Iran to ensure the safety of its assets and people in the country, and to ensure the safe passage of its ships and oil bound to China.

“We once again call on parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from causing greater damage to global economic growth. We are in communication with relevant parties to work for the de-escalation of the situation,” he stated.