Three Chinese vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz following coordination with relevant parties, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. She expressed appreciation for the assistance and called for a ceasefire in the Gulf region as soon as possible. PetroChina stated operations remain stable despite impacts from Middle East tensions.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Tuesday in response to questions about the transit. She noted that the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are vital channels for international trade in goods and energy. Mao expressed appreciation to the relevant parties for their assistance and called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities to restore peace and stability in the Persian Gulf.
Vessel tracking data showed that two Chinese container ships transited the strait on Monday, while Iran solidified its control over the strategic chokepoint by legislating transit fees.
PetroChina chairman Dai Houliang said at the company's annual results conference in Hong Kong on Monday that investment operations in the Middle East had been impacted to varying degrees, as crude oil and natural gas imported through the strait accounted for about 10 per cent of its total operating volume. "The situation in the Middle East has exceeded many people’s expectations since late February," he said, adding that self-produced resources, imports from outside the Middle East, and long-term contract supplies accounted for more than 90 per cent of the company's oil and gas volume.
