Ruptly
"Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian on Friday expressed 'deep concern' over the Strait of Hormuz crisis, calling for involved parties to de-escalate and ensure maritime safety for vessels, after a tanker carrying a Chinese crew was attacked in the region. "Based on current information, the attacked vessel is registered in the Marshall Islands and has Chinese crew members on board. No crew casualties have been reported so far," said Lin, during a presser in Beijing. "China believes that restoring unimpeded passage through the strait as soon as possible [...] is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community," he continued. According to media reports, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker was attacked on Monday. The identity of the vessel had not been disclosed at the time of publication. Lin Jian also reiterated Beijing's position on resolving Middle East tensions after hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and ahead of the planned visit of US President Donald Trump to China. "The current situation in the Gulf and the Middle East is at a critical juncture, with China maintaining communication with all parties," he stressed. "China will continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal [...] and playing a greater role in restoring peace and tranquillity to the Middle East." Trump's visit is scheduled for May 14-15. The trip was originally planned for March but was delayed due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. The spokesperson also criticised a report claiming that Honduras' president-elect Nasry Asfura was 'reviewing' agreements signed with China under the previous administration, saying Honduras-China cooperation should not be 'interfered with by any third party'. Asked about the arrest of a Chinese national by Norwegian police on espionage accusations, Lin said he was unaware of the incident. "China firmly opposes any unfounded accusations and malicious smears against China, and believes that Norway will earnestly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens," he said. Norwegian authorities on Thursday detained a Chinese woman, accusing her of attempting to collect satellite data that could 'harm fundamental Norwegian interests'. The Chinese embassy in Norway had not commented on the incident at the time of publication."
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