rki.news
BEIJING, April 15: China on Wednesday urged the immediate restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran could trigger broader economic and humanitarian consequences worldwide.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the conflict has caused heavy casualties and spillover effects on global growth, stressing that smaller nations should not bear the burden of war.
“The war should not have happened, and the world, especially smaller countries, should not suffer its consequences,” Guo told reporters in Beijing.
He emphasized that the priority is to prevent renewed fighting, restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East to protect global energy security and avert a humanitarian crisis.
Guo’s remarks came after the International Monetary Fund downgraded its 2026 global growth forecast from 3.3 percent to 3.1 percent, while projecting inflation at 4.4 percent this year.
The spokesman also criticized the blockade of the strategic waterway, noting many Asian nations rely on energy supplies through the Strait.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s indication of a possible second round of talks with Iran, likely in Pakistan, Guo welcomed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
He praised Pakistan’s “balanced and constructive” role in brokering a temporary 14-day ceasefire and facilitating recent negotiations in Islamabad.
Guo said the ceasefire momentum should be preserved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, China confirmed continued communication with Washington regarding President Trump’s planned visit to Beijing next month, though official dates remain unconfirmed.