Chinese premier says keeping Strait of Hormuz open 'is in world's interest'

Doha, Jan 19 (ANI): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, following threats by Iran to block the world's most important oil shipping lane if the West continues to impose sanctions.

During a visit to Doha, Jiabao pointed out that ensuring the security of the strait is in all nations' interests, and that "any action in this region will go against the will of all people in the world."

China is a major customer for Iran's oil and gas. It has opposed tighter sanctions on Iran over Tehran's disputed nuclear program and has called for a Middle East free of atomic weapons.

According to Fox News, China and government-run Qatar Petroleum have agreed to work together on developing a petrochemical facility in China.

The Chinese premier's Gulf tour has also taken him to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

It was the first such visit by a Chinese prime minister to Saudi Arabia in 20 years, and to the other two Gulf countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1980s. (ANI)