Chinese Foreign Ministry calls for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

China said on May 8 that it was closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz after reports emerged that a Chinese-owned oil products tanker had been attacked near the strategic waterway earlier this week.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that, according to information currently available, the tanker involved was registered under the Marshall Islands flag and carried Chinese crew members. He added that no casualties among the crew had been reported so far, Global Times reports. 

The comments came after Reuters and other media outlets reported on May 7 that a Chinese-owned oil products tanker had been attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. During the briefing, a foreign journalist asked Beijing what information it could provide about the incident and what measures China planned to take to ensure the safety of Chinese ships and crew operating in the region.

Lin said the Strait of Hormuz remained a vital route for international navigation and noted that China was “deeply concerned that a large number of vessels and crew members have been affected by the conflict and stranded in the strait.”

“The Chinese side believes that restoring smooth passage through the strait as soon as possible and safeguarding the safety of civilian vessels and crew serves the common interests of countries in the region and the international community,” the spokesperson said.

“China calls on all parties to take practical measures to prevent the situation in the strait from worsening. China is willing to work with the international community to continue making efforts to promote ceasefire and peace talk and to de-escalate the situation in the strait,” Lin noted.

By Sabina Mammadli