China voices concern over US interception of Iranian cargo vessel

China has expressed concern over what it described as the “forcible interception” of an Iranian cargo vessel by the United States.

Speaking at a briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called on all parties to act responsibly and adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complex,” he said, urging those involved to avoid further escalation and to create conditions for the resumption of normal transit through the strait.

Guo added that all sides should “maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations” and work towards ending the conflict as soon as possible.

The comments follow reports that US forces opened fire and seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach a blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian military officials said the vessel had departed from China and vowed retaliation, describing the incident as “armed piracy” by US forces.

Tensions in the region have escalated sharply in recent weeks. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran, carrying out air strikes on several cities. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli territory and strikes on US military bases in the Gulf.

A two-week ceasefire agreement was reached on 8 April between Iran, the United States and their allies, but subsequent talks held in Islamabad on 11–12 April, mediated by Pakistan, failed to produce a breakthrough.

On 15 April, Donald Trump announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping despite the continued blockade of Iranian ports, a move reportedly aimed at maintaining relations with China. However, on 18 April, the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said they had closed the waterway again, citing violations of the ceasefire and the ongoing blockade.

The developments highlight the fragility of the truce and the risk of renewed escalation in one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.