China should, at some point, become directly involved in restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as the number of its ships currently passing through is clearly insufficient, the head of the French Navy stated.

“We have not seen China’s navy intervene to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, there is direct political dialogue between Chinese and Iranian authorities to ensure that a number of ships will be able to pass. Will that be enough to restore normal flow? I don’t think so,” Admiral Nicolas Vaujour said at the “War and Peace” security forum taking place in Paris.

“As a result, China will likely need to become more involved in the discussions and demonstrate its impatience over the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed,” he added.

According to Vaujour, France is trying to bring together several countries at a political level to determine the conditions under which the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened. He noted, however, that the presence of military forces will be required to monitor this process.

The admiral also pointed out that, at this stage, there are no indications that the strait has been mined.