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China chides Iran over threat to block oil exports through Strait of Hormuz

By REUTERS

JULY 6, 2018 06:48

BEIJING - Iran should make more effort to ensure stability in the Middle East and get along with its neighbors, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Friday, as Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they may block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait are among China's most important oil suppliers, while Qatar supplies liquefied natural gas to China, so any blockage of the strait would have serious consequences for its economy.

But Beijing has had to tread carefully with Arab nations like Saudi Arabia as China also has close ties with Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and some senior military commanders have threatened to disrupt oil shipments from the Gulf countries if Washington tries to strangle Tehran's oil exports.

Carrying one-third of the world's seaborne oil every day, the Strait of Hormuz links Middle East crude producers to key markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and beyond.

Asked about the Iranian threat to the strait, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said that China and Arab countries had close communications about Middle East peace, including the Iran issue.

"China consistently believes that the relevant country should do more to benefit peace and stability in the region, and jointly protect peace and stability there," Chen told a news briefing, ahead of a major summit between China and Arab states in Beijing next week.

"Especially as it is a country on the Gulf, it should dedicate itself to being a good neighbor and co-existing peacefully," he added. "China will continue to play our positive, constructive role."

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