China has confirmed that a vessel attacked earlier this week near the Strait of Hormuz was registered in the Marshall Islands and carried a Chinese crew on board, with no casualties reported so far.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the statement on Friday, addressing growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical energy and trade corridors.
Lin said the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital route for international navigation and expressed Beijing’s concern over the disruption of maritime traffic due to ongoing conflict in the region. He noted that a number of vessels and crew members have reportedly been stranded amid rising tensions.
“China is deeply concerned that a large number of vessels and crew members have been stranded in the strait due to war,” Lin said.
He stressed that restoring safe and uninterrupted passage through the waterway is a priority, adding that ensuring the safety of civilian ships and maritime personnel serves the shared interests of both regional states and the broader international community.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically significant chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with global shipping lanes, has long been considered one of the most sensitive maritime passages, particularly for global energy supplies.
Beijing’s remarks come amid heightened instability in the region, where maritime incidents have raised concerns over the security of commercial shipping routes.