The Chinese government confirmed that three Chinese vessels recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz, providing partial relief for maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway currently blocked by Iran.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press conference that “after coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese ships recently transited the Strait of Hormuz.” Mao expressed China’s gratitude for the assistance received and emphasized the strategic importance of the strait for international trade.
“The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are a key route for the transport of goods and energy,” Mao added, calling for a swift ceasefire and the restoration of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf.
According to MarineTraffic data, the Cosco vessels Indian Ocean and Arctic Ocean, along with the Panama-flagged Mac Hope—owned and crewed by Chinese nationals—passed through the strait on Monday and are now east of Hormuz. The Cosco ships, mostly empty, had been held in the Persian Gulf since late February due to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: US “will soon regain control” of Hormuz (with video)
Earlier attempts to transit on Friday were blocked by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. China’s official confirmation comes days after Cosco resumed accepting new container bookings to the Middle East, while warning of continued regional volatility and logistical uncertainties.
The Strait of Hormuz is especially critical for China, as about 45% of its energy imports pass through this route. Disruptions and rising oil prices have already affected China’s domestic market, prompting regulators to intervene to limit fuel price surges.
