China vows to secure energy supplies as Middle East conflict disrupts oil flows

China announced Monday that it will take necessary measures to secure its energy supplies as the escalating Middle East conflict disrupts global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that "energy security is of vital importance for the world economy," emphasizing that "all parties have the responsibility to ensure a stable and unimpeded energy supply."

Energy dependence concerns

The statement comes as China, heavily dependent on energy imports from Gulf nations, faces potential supply disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, which typically carries about 20 million barrels of oil daily, has seen a sharp drop in maritime traffic since the US-Israeli campaign against Iran began Feb. 28. Iranian authorities report more than 1,250 killed in the strikes, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 165 schoolgirls in a Minab school attack, with Tehran retaliating against Israel and Gulf countries hosting US assets.

Condemnation of UNIFIL attack

Separately, Guo said China "strongly condemns" the attack on UN interim forces in Lebanon and expressed "sympathy" with the injured. At least three members of the Ghanaian contingent serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured Friday after an Israeli strike targeted their position in southern Lebanon. The peacekeepers were hit "inside their position" in the town of Qouzah in the Bint Jbeil district, according to the UN.

Call for de-escalation

"Any deliberate attack against the UN peacekeeping personnel amounts to a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UNSC resolution 1701," Guo stated. He urged "relevant parties to immediately take measures to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel." The attack on UNIFIL, established in 1978 following Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon, adds another dimension to the expanding regional conflict that now encompasses Iran, Israel, Gulf states and Lebanon.