China on Monday congratulated Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on election as the new chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, and expressed the readiness to promote the development of China-AU ties.
On Saturday night, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, Youssouf emerged victorious in the leadership race against Kenyan former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Madagascan former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
Youssouf, 59, will take the baton from his predecessor Moussa Faki Mahamat for a four-year tenure, renewable once.
"China congratulates Youssouf on his election as the new chairperson of the AU Commission. The African Union is the banner of Africa's unity and self-reliance, and serves as an important platform for international cooperation. China has always viewed its relations with the AU from a strategic height and long-term perspective. President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory message to the AU Summit for 13 consecutive years and met with AU leaders during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, fully demonstrating the high level of China-AU relations," said Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, at a press briefing in Beijing
"At present, Africa's peace and development are facing new opportunities and challenges. China is willing to work closely with chairperson Youssouf and the new AU Commission, continue to support the AU in playing a leading role in the process of African integration, make a stronger voice in international and regional affairs, jointly promote the in-depth development of China-AU and China-Africa relations, and lead the Global South to unite and strengthen themselves and work together to promote modernization," he continued.
China congratulates Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on election as African Union Commission chairperson
Iran on Tuesday warned it would deliver a stern response to any new aggression, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordering preparations for a prolonged naval blockade of the country.
Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire remains in place amid stalled talks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.
In recent meetings, including a Monday discussion with top security officials in the White House, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports, said the report.
The president assessed that the blockade, "a high-risk bid" to compel Tehran's nuclear capitulation, carries less risk than other options -- resume bombing or walk away from the conflict, the officials were quoted as saying.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the same day that Tehran has completed "all necessary arrangements" to counter the U.S. naval blockade.
She noted that Iran's primary strategy focuses on maximizing its geographical advantages through effective tactical maneuvers.
Also on Tuesday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared that the military considers the current situation a state of war.
Akraminia added that Iran has fully updated its target lists and operational equipment, promising a "stern response" to any further aggression.
Mujtaba Ferdosipour, head of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, told the IRNA news agency on Wednesday that U.S. attempts to force unilateral demands through a naval blockade are ineffective. He stressed that Iran's extensive land borders with neighboring countries provide viable alternatives to bypass the maritime restrictions.
Ferdosipour reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels linked to Israel and the United States. He asserted that Iran has the right to manage security in the strait, maintaining that this position does not violate international conventions.
The envoy further stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no desire for direct negotiations. He emphasized that Tehran can employ all available means to defend itself against attacks.
According to the latest data from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted by 95.3 percent since Feb 27. The disruption has caused global food prices to rise by approximately six percent, while crude oil prices in European markets have surged by nearly 50 percent.
Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade
