The strong warning reitrates that China has an energy agreement with Iran and therefore its ships will not be intercepted.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry said: “Chinese ships continue to move in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have trade and energy agreements with Iran, which we will respect and abide by.

“We expect others not to interfere in our affairs.

“Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, and has opened it to us.”

According to a ministry statement the Chinese Foreign Minister ⁠Wang Yi stated that the blockade of the Strait does not serve the common interests of the international community.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun added at a press conference on Monday: “China hopes the relevant parties will abide by the ​temporary ceasefire arrangements, remain committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and avoid ​a resumption of hostilities.”

The US naval blockade of all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz started at 3pm in the UK.

The action comes after peace talks held in Pakistan between the US and Iran on Saturday ended without an agreement.

Posting on social media, Trump said that “attack ships” would be “immediately eliminated” if they entered the blockade area.

US officials have said that 16 American warships are currently sat in Middle East waters.

Earlier on Monday, Iran’s parliament speaker said the country would not “surrender under threats”.