Russia and China on Tuesday (April 07) vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even after the draft had been repeatedly watered down in hopes of securing support from Moscow and Beijing. The vote was 11 in favour, two against, and two abstentions. &nbsp;took place just hours before an 8 PM Eastern deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its power plants and bridges.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Iran's effective blockade, implemented following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has triggered a global energy crisis, sending energy prices soaring.&nbsp;The original draft, tabled by Bahrain and Gulf allies, had included the phrase "all necessary means," a specific code in UN diplomatic language for authorising military force, including offensive strikes. The phrase was removed entirely after Russia, China, and France argued it would effectively legalise a full-scale invasion of Iran.&nbsp;Even the watered-down version, however, failed to survive the veto. Eleven nations, including the US, UK, France, and Bahrain, voted in favour of the resolution. Russia and China vetoed it, condemning it as a pretext for war. Pakistan and Colombia abstained, both seeking a diplomatic alternative.&nbsp;Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.&nbsp;"Today's veto marks a new low," the ambassador said, adding, &nbsp;"In the coming days, when critical shipments are delayed, the world will know who chose obstruction over responsibility."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-in-iran-advises-nationals-to-stay-indoors-for-48-hours-as-trump-s-hormuz-deadline-looms-1775584058612">Indian embassy in Iran advises nationals to stay indoors for 48 hours as Trump's Hormuz deadline looms</a>&nbsp;The ambassador placed the blame squarely on Iran and its countries friendly with Tehran, drawing pointed references to the relationships between the vetoing powers and Tehran.&nbsp;"Iran must stop attacking and open the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has chosen to be a military supplier to Iran, while Iran has supplied hundreds of UAVs to Russia. China, meanwhile, imports 80% of Iran's illicit oil," the ambassador said.&nbsp;Invoking the broader stakes for the Middle East, the ambassador reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its regional partners. "The United States stands firmly with its partners in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to be choked by any one state. We stand with Bahrain and the people of the Gulf. This is a time for choosing," the ambassador said.&nbsp;Concluding his address, the US ambassador drew on Iran's long and contentious history with Washington to frame the current crisis.&nbsp;"We are here because of the path Iran's regime has chosen for decades. Forty-seven years ago, Iran took dozens of Americans hostage. Today, it holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. This could be Iran's last act," the ambassador said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.

Russia and China on Tuesday (April 07) vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even after the draft had been repeatedly watered down in hopes of securing support from Moscow and Beijing. The vote was 11 in favour, two against, and two abstentions. took place just hours before an 8 PM Eastern deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Iran's effective blockade, implemented following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has triggered a global energy crisis, sending energy prices soaring. The original draft, tabled by Bahrain and Gulf allies, had included the phrase "all necessary means," a specific code in UN diplomatic language for authorising military force, including offensive strikes. The phrase was removed entirely after Russia, China, and France argued it would effectively legalise a full-scale invasion of Iran. Even the watered-down version, however, failed to survive the veto. Eleven nations, including the US, UK, France, and Bahrain, voted in favour of the resolution. Russia and China vetoed it, condemning it as a pretext for war. Pakistan and Colombia abstained, both seeking a diplomatic alternative. Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally. "Today's veto marks a new low," the ambassador said, adding, "In the coming days, when critical shipments are delayed, the world will know who chose obstruction over responsibility." Also Read: Indian embassy in Iran advises nationals to stay indoors for 48 hours as Trump's Hormuz deadline looms The ambassador placed the blame squarely on Iran and its countries friendly with Tehran, drawing pointed references to the relationships between the vetoing powers and Tehran. "Iran must stop attacking and open the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has chosen to be a military supplier to Iran, while Iran has supplied hundreds of UAVs to Russia. China, meanwhile, imports 80% of Iran's illicit oil," the ambassador said. Invoking the broader stakes for the Middle East, the ambassador reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its regional partners. "The United States stands firmly with its partners in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to be choked by any one state. We stand with Bahrain and the people of the Gulf. This is a time for choosing," the ambassador said. Concluding his address, the US ambassador drew on Iran's long and contentious history with Washington to frame the current crisis. "We are here because of the path Iran's regime has chosen for decades. Forty-seven years ago, Iran took dozens of Americans hostage. Today, it holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. This could be Iran's last act," the ambassador said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.

Diplomatic setback for US as Russia and China veto UN resolution on Hormuz reopening

Japan protested to China on Monday (July 4) over a Chinese Navy ship that was reportedly cruising close to certain disputed islands, according to a Japanese official. The Senkaku and Diaoyu islet in the East China Sea are the subject of a dispute between Japan and China. Tokyo refers to them as the Senkaku, while Beijing refers tot them as the Diaoyu. A Chinese navy vessel “was detected entering Japan’s contiguous waters” southwest of one of the Tokyo-controlled islands at roughly 7:44 am on same day, as per the official statement, reported by AFP.

Furthermore, as per Japanese media, a Russian navy vessel was also seen on Monday (July 4), in the disputed islands.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-controlling-global-media-and-no-one-is-noticing-494632">China is controlling global media and no one is noticing</a>

In conversation with reporters, deputy chief cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara said, “We expressed grave concerns and lodged our protest to the Chinese side through a diplomatic route, and urged them to prevent a repeat" similar instances. He further added that according to history, the Islands belong to Japan.

However, in response to Kihara’s statement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the Islands are “China’s inherent territory,” and the activities are “legitimate and legal.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: World's biggest drill to contain China

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Japan is developing hypersonic missiles and the Japanese defence ministry will conduct a flying test later this month so that it can dictate the chances of a warfare.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-issues-first-energy-shortage-warning-amid-soaring-temperatures-492553">Japan issues first 'energy shortage warning' amid soaring temperatures</a>

In May, Chinese and Russian fighter jets flew together over the East Asia nation while the leaders of Quad alliance, which consist of US, India, Australia, and Japan met in Tokyo. Despite the fact that the aircraft did not violate any territorial airspace Japan referred to the action as “proactive” because it took place during the leaders’ conference.&nbsp;

However, Beijing claimed that this was a part of the “annual military cooperation plan” between Russia and China.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Japan protested to China on Monday (July 4) over a Chinese Navy ship that was reportedly cruising close to certain disputed islands, according to a Japanese official.

Japan protested to China on Monday (July 4) over a Chinese Navy ship that was reportedly cruising close to certain disputed islands, according to a Japanese official. The Senkaku and Diaoyu islet in the East China Sea are the subject of a dispute between Japan and China. Tokyo refers to them as the Senkaku, while Beijing refers tot them as the Diaoyu. A Chinese navy vessel “was detected entering Japan’s contiguous waters” southwest of one of the Tokyo-controlled islands at roughly 7:44 am on same day, as per the official statement, reported by AFP. Furthermore, as per Japanese media, a Russian navy vessel was also seen on Monday (July 4), in the disputed islands. Also read | China is controlling global media and no one is noticing In conversation with reporters, deputy chief cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara said, “We expressed grave concerns and lodged our protest to the Chinese side through a diplomatic route, and urged them to prevent a repeat" similar instances. He further added that according to history, the Islands belong to Japan. However, in response to Kihara’s statement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the Islands are “China’s inherent territory,” and the activities are “legitimate and legal.” Watch | Gravitas: World's biggest drill to contain China Japan is developing hypersonic missiles and the Japanese defence ministry will conduct a flying test later this month so that it can dictate the chances of a warfare. Also read | Japan issues first 'energy shortage warning' amid soaring temperatures In May, Chinese and Russian fighter jets flew together over the East Asia nation while the leaders of Quad alliance, which consist of US, India, Australia, and Japan met in Tokyo. Despite the fact that the aircraft did not violate any territorial airspace Japan referred to the action as “proactive” because it took place during the leaders’ conference. However, Beijing claimed that this was a part of the “annual military cooperation plan” between Russia and China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan opposes Chinese navy’s approach to the disputed islands

Russia&nbsp;said on Sunday that it was counting on&nbsp;China&nbsp;to help it withstand the blow to&nbsp;its&nbsp;economy from Western sanctions, which it said had&nbsp;frozen&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;half&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;gold and foreign currency&nbsp;reserves.

“We have part of our gold and foreign exchange&nbsp;reserves&nbsp;in the Chinese currency, in yuan. And we see what pressure is being exerted by Western countries on&nbsp;China&nbsp;in order to limit mutual trade with&nbsp;China. Of course, there is pressure to limit access to those&nbsp;reserves," Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said.

"But I think that our partnership with&nbsp;China&nbsp;will still allow us to maintain the cooperation that we have achieved, and not only maintain, but also increase it in an environment where Western markets are closing."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-cafe-in-india-takes-russian-salad-off-its-menu-to-condemn-ukraine-invasion-461880">This cafe in India takes 'Russian Salad' off its menu to condemn Ukraine invasion</a>

Western countries have imposed unprecedented sanctions on&nbsp;Russia's corporate and financial system since it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it calls a special military operation.

Siluanov's comments in a TV interview marked the clearest statement yet from Moscow that it will seek help from&nbsp;China&nbsp;to cushion the impact.

The two countries have tightened cooperation in recent times as both have come under strong Western pressure over human rights and a raft of other issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Feb. 4 and announced a strategic partnership they said was aimed at countering the influence of the United States, describing it as a friendship with no limits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-conducts-airstrike-on-ukrainian-military-target-near-poland-9-dead-461872">Russia conducts airstrike on Ukrainian military target near Poland, 9 dead</a>

The sanctions on&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;reserves&nbsp;have become one of the most painful measures for the&nbsp;Russian economy.

A month ago, Siluanov said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;would be able to withstand sanctions thanks to abundant&nbsp;reserves&nbsp;and was even considering offering Eurobonds to foreign investors once the market volatility subsides.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: How China is benefitting

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On Sunday he said the sanctions had&nbsp;frozen&nbsp;around $300 billion out of $640 billion that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had in&nbsp;its&nbsp;gold and forex&nbsp;reserves.

Siluanov also said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;will fulfil&nbsp;its&nbsp;state debt obligations and will pay roubles to&nbsp;its&nbsp;debt holders until the state&nbsp;reserves&nbsp;are unfrozen.

Russia said on Sunday that it was counting on China to help it withstand the blow to its economy from Western sanctions, which it said had frozen nearly half of its gold and foreign currency reserves.

Russia said on Sunday that it was counting on China to help it withstand the blow to its economy from Western sanctions, which it said had frozen nearly half of its gold and foreign currency reserves. “We have part of our gold and foreign exchange reserves in the Chinese currency, in yuan. And we see what pressure is being exerted by Western countries on China in order to limit mutual trade with China. Of course, there is pressure to limit access to those reserves," Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said. "But I think that our partnership with China will still allow us to maintain the cooperation that we have achieved, and not only maintain, but also increase it in an environment where Western markets are closing." Also read | This cafe in India takes 'Russian Salad' off its menu to condemn Ukraine invasion Western countries have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia's corporate and financial system since it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it calls a special military operation. Siluanov's comments in a TV interview marked the clearest statement yet from Moscow that it will seek help from China to cushion the impact. The two countries have tightened cooperation in recent times as both have come under strong Western pressure over human rights and a raft of other issues. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Feb. 4 and announced a strategic partnership they said was aimed at countering the influence of the United States, describing it as a friendship with no limits. Also read | Russia conducts airstrike on Ukrainian military target near Poland, 9 dead The sanctions on Russian reserves have become one of the most painful measures for the Russian economy. A month ago, Siluanov said Russia would be able to withstand sanctions thanks to abundant reserves and was even considering offering Eurobonds to foreign investors once the market volatility subsides. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: How China is benefitting On Sunday he said the sanctions had frozen around $300 billion out of $640 billion that Russia had in its gold and forex reserves. Siluanov also said Russia will fulfil its state debt obligations and will pay roubles to its debt holders until the state reserves are unfrozen.

Ukraine crisis: Russia says nearly half its reserves are frozen, counts on ties with China

Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the Western part of the Pacific ocean on October 17-23, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Russian & Chinese navies hold first ever joint patrol

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Diplomatic setback for US as Russia and China veto UN resolution on Hormuz reopening

Japan opposes Chinese navy’s approach to the disputed islands

Ukraine crisis: Russia says nearly half its reserves are frozen, counts on ties with China

Russian & Chinese navies hold first ever joint patrol