Desk : China on Friday strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel intercepted by US forces was a “gift from China,” terming the allegation baseless and not supported by facts.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the remarks were not grounded in evidence and reiterated that Beijing strictly adheres to its international obligations. He added that China, as a responsible global power, has consistently played a constructive role in international affairs.
Guo also stressed that trade relations between countries should not be disrupted amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Earlier on Wednesday, China had also dismissed Trump’s similar claim that a vessel intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz was carrying goods from China to Iran as a “gift.” Beijing had reiterated that it has always complied with international law and responsibilities.
Reacting to the issue, Trump had said in an interview that US forces recently intercepted a vessel allegedly carrying unspecified materials from China to Iran, describing it as a “gift.” He also expressed surprise, stating that he believed US-China relations were stable.
“I was a little surprised because I have a very good relationship and thought I had an understanding with President Xi,” Trump said, adding that the US military remains well supplied after recent stockpiling efforts.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has urged the global body to press the United States to immediately and unconditionally release the Iranian commercial vessel Touska along with its crew. Iran has termed the seizure of the ship a “hostile and unlawful act,” alleging violations of international law.
The developments add to already heightened tensions among the United States, China, and Iran, further complicating the geopolitical situation in the region.