Message to China regarding the Strait of Hormuz from the admiral in command of the French navy
China will at some point have to become more directly involved in finding a solution to restore traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as the number of ships it has in transit is likely to be insufficient, the head of the French navy said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
“We have not seen the Chinese navy intervene to reopen the strait. On the other hand, there is a direct political dialogue between the Chinese and Iranian authorities to ensure that a certain number of ships can pass,” Admiral Nicolas Vaujour told the “War & Peace” security conference in Paris.
“Will this be enough to restore normal traffic flows? I don't think so,” Vaujour continued.
“As a result, China will probably have to get more directly involved in the debate and show its dissatisfaction with the fact that the strait remains closed,” the head of the French navy pointed out.
China proposes 'window for peace'
China conveyed on Wednesday that its joint initiative with Pakistan to reduce tensions in the Middle East is open to the participation of other countries and international organizations, while also supporting Islamabad's role as a mediator to promote a truce and initiate peace negotiations, EFE and Agerpres agencies previously reported.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Wednesday that the plan presented the day before by both countries “is open” and welcomed “the response and participation of all countries and international organizations,” referring to the five-point proposal agreed upon after a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Mao added that Pakistan's mediation efforts, along with those of China and other countries, “are in line with the common interests of all parties” and reiterated Beijing's willingness to maintain communication with the actors involved to “end hostilities as soon as possible” and “open a window for peace.”
The spokeswoman stressed that the priority is to start negotiations as soon as possible and warned that the prolongation of the conflict, which has already lasted for a month, has an increasing impact on regional stability, global energy supply and the functioning of industrial chains.
The plan proposed by China and Pakistan includes an immediate cease-fire, support for peace negotiations, protection of non-military objectives, security of sea lanes and compliance with the UN Charter.
The conflict initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran has involved attacks on energy infrastructure and affected maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic route through which about 20% of the world's oil and around 45% of China's energy imports transit.
