Xi: World Order Is Descending into Chaos
More than a month and a half after the US and Israel began attacks on Iran, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke for the first time on the matter yesterday, warning that the world order is "descending into chaos." Xi promised to play a "constructive role" in the Middle East, while the previous day, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the maritime blockade in Hormuz, now imposed by US President Donald Trump, describing it as "dangerous and irresponsible."
TL;DR
- Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of a world order descending into chaos and pledged a constructive role in the Middle East.
- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously condemned the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as dangerous and irresponsible.
- US President Donald Trump stated that China supports the US decision to "permanently open" the Strait of Hormuz and will not send weapons to Iran.
- Trump claimed he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping not to supply arms to Iran, and Xi responded that China does not.
- Iran has threatened to block imports and exports from the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea if the US continues its blockade.
- An Iranian oil tanker reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the US blockade.
- Indirect negotiations between the US and Iran are reportedly set to continue, with Iran aiming to end the conflict and protect its rights, including uranium enrichment.
- Trump threatened to terminate a trade deal with the UK over London's opposition to military action against Iran.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would not yield to US pressure regarding Iran, emphasizing it is not Britain's war.