The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a toned-down resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after China opposed language authorizing the use of force.
Diplomats said the revised draft no longer includes explicit approval for military action to keep the vital waterway open.
Instead, the resolution “strongly encourages” countries that rely on the Strait for commercial shipping to coordinate defensive measures to help ensure safe navigation.
The draft says these efforts may include escorting merchant vessels and deterring attempts to block or interfere with shipping through the Strait.
The watered-down version was introduced after earlier proposals led by Bahrain faced opposition from China, Russia and other members of the council.
Last week, Bahrain, which currently chairs the council and is backed by Gulf states and the United States, proposed a resolution that would have authorized “all defensive means necessary” to protect shipping. However, planned votes on the proposal were delayed.
China objected to the original wording, warning that authorizing force could legitimize what it called “unlawful and indiscriminate use of force” and further escalate the conflict.
The vote comes as tensions remain high in the Middle East after more than five weeks of fighting between Israel, the United States and Iran, which has largely restricted passage through the Strait.
Iran said Monday it wants a lasting end to the conflict but resisted calls to fully reopen the waterway. Meanwhile, Donald Trump warned Tehran it could be “taken out” if it failed to reach an agreement by Tuesday night.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing would continue working with Russia at the Security Council and stressed that a ceasefire remains the key to resolving the crisis in the Strait.
