UPDATE 1-China voices concern over US seizure of Iranian cargo ship, urges further talks

China has ‌expressed concern over ​the "forced interception" by the U.S. of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, a Chinese ‌foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging relevant parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner.

"The situation in ‌the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complicated," said ‌spokesman Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing. Parties involved should avoid further escalation and "create the necessary conditions for normal transit through ⁠the strait ​to resume," he ⁠added. The U.S. said earlier it fired on and seized an ⁠Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade of Iranian ​ports. Iran's military said the ship had been travelling from ⁠China and vowed retaliation against what it called "armed piracy by the U.S. military."

Beijing ⁠on ​Monday also urged relevant parties to "continue to maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations". "Now that a ⁠window for peace has opened, favourable conditions should be created to ⁠bring ⁠the war to an end as soon as possible," Guo said.

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