US and China on maritime 'collision course' as first ships try to pass Trump's blockade

About this episode

The episode discusses the operational challenges of America's naval blockade of Iran and the implications of Chinese involvement in the crisis.

America's naval blockade of Iran is meant to choke Tehran into lifting its own restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, but will it work and can it be enforced? Former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe joins Roland Oliphant to explain the operational challenges.  The first day of the maritime siege has drawn vocal condemnation from  Beijing, in the latest sign of growing Chinese involvement in the crisis. Chinese officials were key to persuading Iran to accept the ceasefire. There are claims that Chinese weapons are on their way to re-stock Iranian air defences. Telegraph Asia Correspondent Allegra Mendelson explains China's role in Iran, what it wants from the war, and what would happen if an American warship dared to board a Chinese freighter.  CONTRIBUTORS: Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant Tom Sharpe, former Royal Navy Commander and Telegraph columnist @TomSharpe134 Allegra Mendelson, Asia correspondent @amendelson_ CONTENT REFERENCED: Connor Stringer and Allegra Menedelson: How China helped seal Trump’s 11th hour Iran truce Tom Sharpe: Trump’s blockade on a blockade is possible That doesn’t mean its a good idea Producer…

People in this episode

Host: Roland Oliphant

Guests: Tom Sharpe, Allegra Mendelson

Topics covered

• US-China relations
• maritime security
• Iran crisis
• naval blockade
• military strategy

Keywords

• naval blockade
• Iran
• China
• Strait of Hormuz
• military strategy
• Tom Sharpe
• Allegra Mendelson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Telegraph

Places: Iran, China, Strait of Hormuz

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