Chinese oil tanker attacked near Strait of Hormuz, ship's deck catches fire
A Chinese oil tanker caught fire after being attacked near the Strait of Hormuz entrance in the UAE, marking the first such incident against a Chinese vessel in the strategically critical waterway.
A large Chinese oil tanker was attacked near the Al Jaber port in the United Arab Emirates, at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters citing Caixin reports on May 7, 2025. The attack, which occurred on May 4, caused a fire on the ship's deck. The vessel bears a message identifying the owner and crew as Chinese nationals. An informed source told Caixin this is the first time a Chinese oil tanker has been attacked, calling it psychologically difficult to accept. However, details about the actual damage remain unavailable. This incident follows Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, during which Iran has repeatedly affirmed that China and Russia remain its strategic allies.
