The U.S. action has also sent a major shockwave to us! The U.S. has even seized ships in the Strait of Malacca! On April 28, according to foreign media reports, the U.S. has seized another Iranian oil tanker, this time in the Strait of Malacca. The U.S. Central Command announced that the U.S. Navy's destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted the crude oil tanker "Streem," which was flying the Iranian flag and en route to an Iranian port.

Foreign media reported that the last time this tanker publicly transmitted its location was 13 days ago in the waters of the Strait of Malacca. This means that U.S. forces are now actively conducting blockades and intercept operations deep in remote waters over 4,500 miles beyond the Persian Gulf. To be honest, it's understandable if the U.S. intercepts vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but we never expected them to do so in the Strait of Malacca—this move certainly demands our vigilance.

It's clear as day: the Strait of Malacca is the world’s busiest maritime chokepoint, the essential route for our energy imports and foreign trade freight. A large portion of China’s crude oil, natural gas, and imported/exported goods have long heavily relied on this strait for passage. If the U.S. can now seize Iranian ships in the Strait of Malacca, it naturally implies that in case of sudden emergencies, the U.S. could seize vessels from any country at will, arbitrarily enforcing laws across key sea lanes and cutting off other nations’ shipping routes.

To some extent, the U.S. seems to be sending us a message: they still hold cards. Even though the U.S. is currently mired in turmoil in the Middle East and stretched thin, its global naval dominance remains solid. Undoubtedly, under the current context of Sino-U.S. strategic competition, facing such circumstances, it becomes extremely urgent for us to further expand our navy, enhance escort capabilities, and accelerate diversification of energy sources.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863676989487369/

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