China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

The government of China has confirmed that three Chinese vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, expressing appreciation to “relevant parties” for facilitating their safe passage amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the strait as a “vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies,” reiterating Beijing’s call for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

“We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided,” Mao said, without identifying the actors involved, in what analysts interpret as a diplomatic acknowledgment of coordinated security efforts in the waterway.

Chinese Ships Navigate High-Risk Waters

Ship-tracking data confirmed that at least two container vessels operated by COSCO Shipping exited the Gulf on Monday, completing a second attempt after aborting an earlier departure days before due to security concerns. The vessels reportedly sailed in tight formation and at increased speeds, heading toward the Gulf of Oman — a sign of heightened caution amid ongoing threats.

According to maritime data analyst Rebecca Gerdes of Kpler, the ships are among the first non-Iranian container vessels to successfully leave the Persian Gulf since the escalation of conflict, highlighting a cautious reopening of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

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COSCO had earlier announced on March 25 that it would resume container bookings for shipments between Asia and Gulf destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, signaling cautious confidence in maritime security conditions.

Strait of Hormuz Under Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows — has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel beginning in late February.

Security threats, including missile strikes, naval incidents, floating mines, and drone activity, have forced many shipping companies to halt or delay operations, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and disrupting exports such as Saudi crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas.

Despite the risks, some vessels have cautiously resumed transit. Reports indicate that a Greek-operated oil tanker carrying Saudi crude recently exited the Gulf, while Indian-flagged LPG carriers also navigated the route successfully.

To mitigate risks, shipping operators have adopted defensive navigation strategies, including sailing at night, increasing speed, and in some cases switching off tracking transponders to reduce visibility.

China Pushes for Stability

China’s acknowledgment of assistance reflects its broader diplomatic stance, as Beijing continues to advocate for dialogue, restraint, and stability in the Gulf. As one of the world’s largest energy importers, China has a strategic interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

Analysts say the successful transit of Chinese vessels signals a fragile but important development in global shipping, suggesting that limited movement may resume if security conditions improve — though risks remain high.

China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions