China on Friday expressed deep concern after an oil products tanker carrying Chinese crew members was reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said there were Chinese nationals aboard the vessel, though no casualties among the crew had been reported so far.
Speaking at a regular media briefing, Lin said Beijing was closely monitoring the situation and remained concerned about the safety of commercial vessels affected by the ongoing regional conflict.
According to a report by Caixin, a Chinese-owned oil products tanker came under attack near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Details about the nature of the attack and the extent of damage to the vessel were not immediately disclosed.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handling a major share of global oil exports. Recent tensions and attacks on commercial shipping in the region have heightened concerns over maritime security and energy supplies.
