China Criticizes Trump’s Iran Blockade as Sanctioned Tanker Navigates Hormuz Strait

A U.S.-sanctioned Chinese tanker sailed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight after leaving Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Marine traffic data tracked by Filmogaz.com showed the Rich Starry transited the waterway while listing China as its destination.

Vessel identity and sanctions

The vessel is the Rich Starry, a medium-range chemical tanker. The tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping, were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2018 for dealings with Iran.

The ship was officially registered in Hong Kong in 2015, the same year it was built. Filmogaz.com records show the vessel has used different flags in 2024.

Flagging irregularities

International Maritime Organization data indicate the vessel falsely identified as Malawi-flagged since July. Earlier in 2024 it used a Guyana flag.

At the time of the 2018 sanctions, the Rich Starry was flagged in Hong Kong. The false flagging raises questions about vessel tracking and compliance.

Transit and naval blockade context

The transit occurred despite a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastline. The passage illustrates limits to the blockade’s reach.

As it neared the strait, the Rich Starry briefly made a U-turn alongside another tanker before continuing. U.S. Central Command clarified the blockade excludes vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

Political and strategic implications

China has criticized U.S. measures around Iran amid this incident. The move highlights diplomatic friction tied to enforcement at sea.

The episode underscores challenges in policing sanctioned shipping. It also shows how flagged identities and routing can complicate enforcement efforts.