China stands ready to deepen cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in more areas to jointly promote the development of the Olympic Movement, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said when meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach in Beijing on Tuesday.
China highly appreciates the significant contributions made by Bach during his tenure to promote cooperation between the IOC and China, said Han.
The just-concluded 9th Asian Winter Games in the Chinese city of Harbin presented to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular, Han said.
China always values the development of its sports sector and takes an active part in international Olympic affairs, said Han, adding that China stands ready to deepen cooperation with the IOC in more areas to jointly promote the development of the Olympic Movement and make new contributions to world peace, unity and progress.
Bach congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the Asian Winter Games and thanked the Chinese side for its long-term support of the IOC. He expressed the IOC's willingness to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly uphold multilateralism and achieve greater accomplishments in the Olympic cause.
China ready to deepen cooperation with IOC in more areas: Chinese vice president
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and that it was "sealed up tight" until such time as Iran was able to make a deal, while Iran had drawn up a target list for retaliation against the United States and its allies.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post, adding that "no ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy."
He also said on Thursday that he has ordered the U.S. Navy "to shoot and kill" any boat putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
There is to be "no hesitation" for U.S. forces to attack Iran's "small boats" putting mines, and the U.S. minesweepers are clearing the Strait of Hormuz right now, Trump said on his Truth Social.
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of diplomatic setbacks and a lack of trust in negotiations, Iran has drawn up a target list, based on the principles of reciprocal response and offensive deterrence, to address potential military actions by the United States and its allies.
Iran has prepared different responses for different scenarios: striking enemy power plants if its own are hit; targeting U.S. allies' energy facilities if its oil and gas sector is attacked, with the aim of cutting global oil output by 25 million barrels a day for one year; hitting AI and IT centers if its officials are assassinated; and launching massive missile and drone strikes against enemy aircraft carriers and helicopters if its territory is violated.
Iran also threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and completely seal the Strait of Hormuz through large-scale mining if a U.S. naval blockade continues or escalates.
Should the U.S. launch a ground invasion using regional bases, Iran said it would coordinate with resistance front forces and local armed groups to capture U.S. soldiers. Surprise attacks on U.S. interests outside the region are also possible.
Trump claims full control of Strait of Hormuz as Iran draws up retaliation target list
