China called on all sides in the Middle East war to maintain safety in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas, and vowed measures to ensure its energy security.

Nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil supplies pass through the strait, as well as a significant amount of cargo.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared it closed on Saturday, prompting several international shipping groups to halt passage through the waterway.

‘China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, maintain the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent a greater impact on the global economy,’ foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference on Tuesday.

‘Energy security is of great importance to the global economy… China will take necessary measures to ensure its energy security,’ she said.

China is the main buyer of Iranian oil, most of which passes through the strait.

Satellite image taken on Monday shows smoke after a nearby explosion