3 ships crossed Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict: Chinese Foreign ministry

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BEIJING: Beijing has confirmed that three Chinese vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor that has been effectively closed since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in late February. 

A foreign ministry spokesperson stated on Tuesday that the passage was achieved following coordination with relevant parties, though specific details regarding the ships' identities were not disclosed.

This successful crossing followed a failed attempt last Friday, when the ships were reportedly forced to turn back. Experts noted that these are among the first non-Iranian commercial vessels to navigate the waterway since the conflict began, signaling a potential shift in the blockade’s enforcement for certain nations.

The Chinese government has used this development to reiterate its call for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of regional stability. Describing the Strait as an ‘important route for global trade and energy supplies,’ officials in Beijing emphasised the necessity of safeguarding navigation. China remains the world’s largest oil importer and maintains significant economic ties with Tehran, positioning it as a key player in mediating the impact of the maritime standoff.

The transit occurs amidst a broader trend of merchant ships attempting to bypass the blockade by signalling Chinese ownership or crew on their transponders. While the Strait remains largely devoid of standard commercial traffic, the successful passage of these vessels highlights the unique diplomatic leverage Beijing continues to hold in the Gulf region during this period of extreme volatility.