UN delays Hormuz shipping vote as China signals opposition
The United Nations Security Council has postponed a vote on a proposal to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Friday to Saturday, according to media reports.
The 15-member council is expected to consider a draft resolution put forward by Bahrain aimed at protecting commercial vessels passing through the strategic waterway, which carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
Reports by Reuters and Associated Press say the draft includes language allowing countries “to use all defensive means necessary” to secure shipping.
However, the measure faces significant hurdles. China, a permanent council member with veto power, has signalled it will oppose any resolution that refers to the use of force, casting doubt over its chances of adoption.