Multiple Chinese vessels retreat at Strait of Hormuz after Iran warnings in rare ally move

At least three Chinese-linked vessels reportedly turned back abruptly after attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz last Friday, signaling an unusual move in typically friendly Tehran‑Beijing relations amid the ongoing regional crisis. Two ships owned by China’s state‑run Cosco Shipping, the CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean, as well as Hong Kong-owned Lotus Rising made sudden U‑turns near Larak Island, according to ship‑tracking service MarineTraffic and research group FDD. The narrow channel has re ...