Key facts
- China has called for free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Beijing stated that passage through the strait serves the interests of all nations.
- China rejected claims that it is 'weaponizing' ship inspections.
- The International Maritime Organization stated that the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of tolls and charges.
- The IMO asserted there is no legal basis for mandatory tolls to transit the strait.
China has called for free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that such access serves the interests of all nations. This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and the United States, and follows reports of Iran's actions regarding ship inspections.
Beijing has also rejected claims that it is 'weaponizing' ship inspections, indicating a stance against actions that could further destabilize the region or impede international maritime traffic.
The International Maritime Organization has echoed the sentiment, calling for the Strait of Hormuz to "remain free of any tolls and charges, in accordance with international law." An IMO spokesperson stated that the organization "stands firmly against charging fees for passage through straits used for international navigation" and that "there is no legal basis through which to introduce mandatory tolls simply to transit through a strait."