US confrontations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz point to future American attempts to contain China via maritime chokepoints, a Chinese policy adviser has warned, suggesting that Beijing boost its naval presence in the region.

In a policy recommendation addressed to Beijing, Gu Dingguo, an East China Normal University research fellow in neighbourhood diplomacy and security, said the Iran war reflected Washington’s greater emphasis on implementing its maritime security strategy.

“By observing Iran’s leverage over strategic waterways, the US is likely to intensify its focus on global maritime chokepoints, further targeting China’s shipping lanes to stifle Beijing’s development,” he said.

“The reason the US wants out of Iran so badly is that it is still fixated on containing China and Russia, especially China. This is an unchangeable reality.”

US security documents released last year purporting to prioritise the western hemisphere were “merely a feint”, he said.

To counter Washington’s seafaring containment, Beijing should establish a formidable maritime force and seek to form maritime communication mechanisms with all countries, including the US, Gu suggested.