China Rejects Trump’s Claim of 'Gift Cargo' on Seized Iranian Ship

China's foreign ministry has dismissed an accusation by U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled the cargo ship intercepted by U.S. forces as a 'gift from China'. The ship, carrying the Iranian flag, was seized by the U.S., claiming it attempted to breach a blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran's military has condemned the seizure as 'armed piracy', stating the vessel traveled from China, and promised retaliation. Trump remarked in an interview that the ship contained 'unnice items,' hinting it was potentially a gift from China.

China's foreign ministry rebuffed these claims, stressing the baseless nature of the accusations. They reiterated that international trade should not be disrupted by unfounded allegations. Intelligence suggests the ship contained dual-use items, possibly intended for military purposes, according to maritime security sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)