CHINA PERSPECTIVE

The South China Morning Post delivers three complementary angles. First: three Chinese vessels successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed "gratitude" toward "parties concerned"—euphemism for Iran, which clearly granted Beijing secure passage. Second: PetroChina reassures saying its Hormuz imports represent only 10% of operational volume. But chairman Dai Houliang admits the Middle East situation "has exceeded many people's expectations." Third, most revealing: a China National Petroleum Corporation researcher suggests the crisis could push the US and China to "sit down and work together" on energy. Washington exports, Beijing imports—complementarity is "very strong." This proposal, unthinkable a year ago, shows China repositioning itself as indispensable partner, not rival. Three Chinese tankers crossing Hormuz while the world is blocked says everything about the Beijing-Tehran relationship. China's position is a masterpiece of realpolitik. While Trump shouts on Truth Social, Beijing runs its vessels in silence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning's "gratitude" toward "parties concerned" is diplomatic language for thanking Iran without naming it, avoiding provoking Washington. PetroChina minimizes impact but its chairman admits the situation "has exceeded expectations." The energy cooperation proposal is the real signal: Beijing positions itself as the adult solution in a world Washington plunged into chaos.