China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that an oil products tanker carrying Chinese crew members was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, expressing concern over the growing risks to shipping caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said there were Chinese nationals aboard the vessel, though no casualties had been reported so far.

Chinese media outlet Caixin reported that the tanker, marked “CHINA OWNER & CREW,” came under attack on Monday near the strategically vital waterway.

Vessel Believed to Be JV Innovation

While Chinese authorities did not officially identify the ship, maritime security sources said the damaged vessel was believed to be the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker JV Innovation.

The vessel reportedly caught fire on deck while sailing near Mina Saqr off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The attack took place before Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Beijing on Wednesday. The two sides reportedly discussed efforts to reopen and stabilise traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping Disruptions Deepen

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.

The ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran has disrupted commercial shipping across the Gulf, with hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers reportedly stranded in the region.

China has continued purchasing Iranian oil despite the conflict, with imports reportedly remaining largely stable in recent months.

Meanwhile, fighting between Washington and Tehran intensified again on Thursday as both sides exchanged fire while diplomatic efforts continued over a proposed ceasefire framework and unresolved nuclear issues.

(with inputs from Reuters)