President Donald Trump announced the permanent re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz on Truth Social on the third day of the U.S. Naval blockade of Iran’s ports and coastlines.
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again,” President Trump wrote.
In the post, President Trump added that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has agreed “not to send weapons to Iran.”
China's Denial of Military Involvement with Iran
Despite President Trump’s assertion that China is supplying the Islamic Republic with arms, several Chinese officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have denied the claims.
According to The Associated Press (AP), China’s Foreign Ministry spokespersons have repeatedly denied that the country is supplying any form of military assistance to Tehran.
President Trump also revealed in an interview with FOX News that President Xi denied the allegations through a written response letter to him. President Trump initially wrote to the Chinese leader after reports surfaced about the allegations.
“I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that. And he wrote me a letter saying that, essentially, he’s not doing that,” President Trump told FOX News.
“President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well!” President Trump assured in his post.
“Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to - far better than anyone else!!!,” he concluded, reaffirming the U.S. military’s strength.
Both President Trump and President Xi are set to meet in a summit in China in early May.
U.S. CENTCOM Announces "Maritime Superiority"
Prior to President Trump's announcement of the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on X confirming “maritime superiority” along the Middle East.
“A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” CENTCOM Commander, Adm. Brad Cooper issued, according to CENTCOM’s post.
