Chinese-linked ships cross Strait of Hormuz on eve of Trump-Xi meeting

NEWS SUMMARY

Multiple Chinese-linked vessels, including a supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude, transited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's arrival in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The timing underscores China's strategic positioning amid US-Iran tensions, with Chinese state media reporting that Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistan to mediate between Iran and the US to reopen the strait, while Trump stated Iran would feature in his discussions with Xi.

Full BriefGenerated 0m ago

Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 20:37 Chinese supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude crossed the waterway before turning off its transponder A woman crosses a street near a billboard on the facade of a building depicting the Strait of Hormuz, with a caption in Persian reading 'Forever in Iran’s Hand', in Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, on 6 May 2026 (AFP) Off Multiple ships linked to China transited the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours, coinciding with US Presiden

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CONFLICT OVERVIEW

Iran

Latest verified updates on Iran’s regional confrontation, U.S.–Israeli strikes, missile retaliation, proxy networks, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz risks.

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