It seems the United States is finding it hard to save face! Just after Trump announced a blockade, the Chinese-controlled oil tanker "Brilliant Fortune" successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz! On April 14, according to foreign media reports, real-time shipping data shows that a sanctioned, China-linked oil tanker named "Brilliant Fortune" had already crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 14, 2026. Foreign media noted this passage occurred shortly after the collapse of U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad.
Subsequently, the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas. Under this context, the oil tanker managed to pass through smoothly. Information indicates that the vessel belongs to Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Company in China and has been under U.S. sanctions since 2023. This ship is a typical example of a Chinese-owned, Chinese-managed, crewed by Chinese nationals, but flying a flag of convenience—registered under Malawi/Guyana for overseas operations.
Now, with this oil tanker clearly passing through the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade, it's akin to delivering a resounding slap in front of the entire world. The U.S.'s bold declaration of a "comprehensive blockade" has just been visibly breached. In fact, the vessel has committed no illegal acts; even if the U.S. wanted to take action, it would lack any solid legal grounds.
If the U.S. were to forcibly intercept and board the vessel, it would amount to an act of provocation against a Chinese-flagged ship. Not only would this escalate the risk of maritime confrontation between China and the U.S., but it would also cement the U.S.’s reputation as bullying global shipping, prompting widespread international resistance. In reality, the U.S. simultaneously promotes "freedom of navigation" while enforcing blockades—this is essentially self-contradictory. Therefore, the correct course for the U.S. would be to lift the blockade and address the root causes of the conflict with Iran at its source.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862420762156043/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.