Iranian authorization indicates resumption of the flow of Chinese ships in the region; China is one of the countries most dependent on the route
The Chinese government confirmed this Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that 3 Chinese ships crossed the . The sea route concentrates 25% of world oil trade and has been effectively blocked by Iran since the start of the war against the United States and Israel on February 28.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning thanked Iran for allowing Chinese vessels to pass. China is the main destination for goods crossing the Strait of Hormuz and, with the exception of Middle Eastern countries that have their ports blocked, it is one of the nations most affected by the Iranian blockade.
“After coordination with relevant parties, 3 Chinese vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, and we express our gratitude for the assistance provided by these parties”declared the spokesperson in a press conference with journalists.
At least 2 ships belong to Chinese giant Cosco. These two vessels crossed the strait on Friday (27th March). According to information from the Chinese newspaper Caixinwere empty and should follow their original route, which was to go to Malaysia in mid-April.
Another country that has been successful in negotiating the passage of ships in Hormuz is India. At least 2 ships loaded with LNG (liquefied natural gas) were authorized by Iran to proceed to India. The country is also dependent on the maritime route for its energy supply.
At the same time that ship traffic begins to resume in Hormuz, the situation in the Persian Gulf remains tense. In the early hours of this Tuesday (31st March), a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker was the target of an attack attributed to Iran. The vessel was fully loaded with oil and caught fire.
Iran has already indicated that it will maintain firm control over the flow of ships passing through the strait. on Monday (30th March) a proposal to charge tolls on ships crossing Hormuz, one of the main oil routes in the world.
The measure also provides for restrictions on the passage of vessels from, such as the United States and Israel. The charge does not yet have a defined value, but Iranian authorities indicate that it could reach millions of dollars per ship and become a relevant new source of revenue for Tehran.
