Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

"I have already stated China's position on the Strait of Hormuz issue. We would like to reiterate that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and keeping it open to navigation serves the common interests of countries in the region and the international community," Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a regular press conference on Monday.

Guo was responding to a reporter's question citing reports that Iranian forces had opened fire on an Indian-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over navigational safety, and the reporter asked how China views the escalation and what measures it is considering to safeguard its shipping and energy interests in the strait.

China hopes all parties will work together to prevent the situation in the Strait from deteriorating further, and stands ready to continue making efforts alongside the international community to help de-escalate tensions, Guo stressed.

Global Times