A Chinese-owned oil tanker has been confirmed to have been attacked for the first time since the United States launched Operation Epic Fury.

Chinese media outlet Caixin reported on the 4th (Monday) that the oil tanker 'JN Innovation', belonging to a Chinese owner, was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

This occurred on the same day President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom,' though President Trump announced a temporary suspension of the operation a day later.

According to Chinese media reports, the vessel was marked as "Chinese owner and crew." The attack caused a fire on the ship's deck, and it is not yet confirmed whether any crew members were injured.

On the same day, the cargo ship Namuho, of South Korean nationality, also caught fire while docked near the UAE coast, and President Trump stated it was an attack by Iran.

Two days after the attack on the Chinese oil tanker, on the 6th, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing and met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

At this meeting, Minister Wang Yi emphasized, "The complete cessation of hostile acts cannot be delayed, and the resumption of hostilities is even more unacceptable." It is understood that China urged all parties involved to return to dialogue and negotiation, stating that only a "complete ceasefire" is a condition for de-escalation.

Despite China voting against a UN Security Council resolution urging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and straits as a "dangerous and irresponsible move."

Furthermore, China is positioning itself as a "stabilizer" in this situation and is demonstrating its intention to play a greater role in restoring regional peace and tranquility through mediation between the U.S. and Iran.

This explains the analysis that China is pursuing a "strategic neutrality and pragmatic mediation" approach, criticizing the U.S. blockade while also pressuring Iran to open the strait and return to dialogue.

In contrast, the U.S. is pushing China's criticism of Iran as "irresponsible bystandership" and demanding that China leverage its economic influence over Iran to directly contribute to the reopening of the strait.

By Sung Ku Hong, Editor-in-Chief of NNP, USA / Special Correspondent for this publication NNP info@newsandpost.com