US Orders Strait of Hormuz Blockade, China Warns Against Disruption

The United States has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, set to begin Monday and apply only to Iranian ports, according to US Central Command. China's Foreign Ministry said the blockade goes against global interests and called for restraint, noting the root cause is military conflict. China is seeking unimpeded access through the strait for oil transit and has signaled military readiness to guard its oil shipments. Analysts warn the blockade risks piling economic pain on Asian allies and China.