China responds! After reports that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz, we have come forward to make our position clear! On June 23, at a regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our spokesperson stated that the Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters are important international cargo and energy trade channels. Maintaining security and stability in this region is in the common interest of the international community.
China calls on the international community to make greater efforts to de-escalate the conflict and avoid greater impacts on global economic development. What does this stance of ours indicate? It mainly has two points. First, closing the Strait of Hormuz is certainly not something we would like to see. Second, to prevent a worse situation from occurring, the international community should work to ease the situation.
In fact, Iran is now just one step away from blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say that if Iran decides to block the strait, there are mainly two ways. The first is to deploy anti-ship missiles, coastal artillery, and other weapon systems near the strait's coast, while simultaneously sending naval vessels for patrols and interception. The second is to lay mines, which was the method Iran used to block the area during the Iran-Iraq War.
Overall, it is more likely that Iran will choose to lay mines. Because if it chooses to deploy coastal artillery, the US and Israel might carry out bombing attacks. Laying mines is not only cheaper but also has a more significant deterrent effect. Once Iran lays mines, merchant ships from various countries will face great threats and disruptions, and ships will have to avoid the area, and oil shipments to our country will be affected as well. Therefore, this is definitely not a situation we hope to see, and Iran should certainly be cautious on this issue.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835721709666393/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.