“Chinese-Owned” Oil Tanker Hit Near Hormuz as U.S. Pauses Ship-Protection Plan, Report Says

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 6, 2026. REUTERS

Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, Chinese media outlet Caixin reported, as President Donald Trump launched a U.S. plan that day to help stranded vessels but suspended it a day later.

This was the first time a Chinese oil tanker has been attacked, a person with knowledge of the matter told Caixin on Thursday.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Detected IP: ...