Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the military conflict. To solve the issue, the conflict must stop as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint. China will continue playing a constructive role, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's order on Sunday that the US Navy would start blockading the Strait of Hormuz, as well as he called on China to buy oil from the US or Venezuela, and China's view on security in the Strait and related energy issues. 

The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community, Guo added.

Guo also noted that as to the purchase of oil, China stands ready to work with others to jointly safeguard global energy security and keep supply chains stable. However, to fundamentally resolve the issue, what needs to be done first and foremost is to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities. It has the right to choose its own partners of cooperation. Other countries have no right to dictate to it.

Global Times