Chinese-Owned Tanker Hit Near Hormuz Escalates Maritime Security Fears
Beijing – A Chinese-owned refined-products tanker was attacked near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, marking the first reported strike on a Chinese oil tanker since the escalation of conflict linked to the Iran war, Chinese financial outlet Caixin reported on Thursday.
The tanker was attacked off the UAE’s Al Jeer Port on May 4, according to the report, which cited people familiar with the incident. The vessel’s deck caught fire during the attack and bore markings reading “CHINA OWNER & CREW,” Caixin said.
No casualties or details regarding the extent of the damage were immediately disclosed.A person familiar with the shipowner told Caixin the incident represented the first known attack involving a Chinese oil tanker in the region, describing the event as “psychologically very hard to accept.”The strike comes amid mounting security risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil and fuel shipments passes daily.
Shipping activity across the Gulf region has faced heightened disruption since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year. Regional tensions have raised concerns among energy traders, insurers and shipping operators over vessel safety and supply-chain stability.
The reported attack follows a series of incidents affecting commercial shipping near Hormuz, including claims and denials involving vessels linked to South Korea and other Asian economies heavily dependent on Gulf energy supplies.China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, relies heavily on Middle Eastern energy exports transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Beijing has repeatedly called for stability in the Gulf and urged all parties to avoid actions that could threaten international trade routes.Neither Chinese authorities nor UAE officials immediately issued public statements regarding the reported attack.
