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CHINA PERSPECTIVE
THE UNITED STATES STRIKES IRAN AGAIN AS TEHRAN DECLARES THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSED
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DOMINANT ANGLE
Beijing denounces an American escalation that undermines the negotiated ceasefires and destabilizes global energy markets.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
ANALYSIS
Beijing, July 12, 2026. For China's state-run CGTN, the line is clear: the US strikes carried out this week against several coastal provinces in southern Iran and two strategic bridges in the northeast of the country constitute "blatant war crimes." Iran's Foreign Ministry, cited by the media outlet, accuses the US of acting under a "false pretext" in response to maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, in violation of the United Nations Charter and the agreement memorandum signed between the two countries to end the war. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that the strait "will only reopen according to Iran's arrangements, and not under American threat."
The economic shock is being felt, with the South China Morning Post documenting its extent. Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed, with only 14 ships crossing on Thursday, down from 35 the day before, according to Veson Nautical. Since the announcement of the ceasefire framework on June 17, approximately 513 ships have passed through this route, barely a fifth of the normal volume of around 2,500 transits. An analyst cited by the Hong Kong-based newspaper estimates that this escalation could "permanently damage the credibility of future ceasefires," with repercussions on inflation and global risk premiums.
The SCMP also notes the contradictory statements of Donald Trump, who claimed to have "1,000 missiles locked and loaded" to strike Iran, while also asserting that Tehran wanted to resume discussions. A Qatari delegation visited Tehran in an attempt to revive mediation efforts. Meanwhile, the newspaper highlights that Russia's ban on exporting diesel, combined with the new strikes, is exacerbating an already tight energy market, with US stocks plummeting by over 4.5 million barrels last week.
KEY POINTS
- Beijing is closely monitoring the situation as tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz dropped to 14 vessels on Thursday, down from 35 the previous day, according to Veson Nautical.
- The Chinese government notes that Tehran has framed the US strikes on two strategic bridges as "flagrant war crimes", as stated by the Iranian Foreign Ministry via CGTN.
- China's government is aware that the US President claims to have "1000 missiles locked and loaded" against Iran, while also mentioning a potential resumption of bilateral talks, as reported by the SCMP.
COGNITIVE BIASES IDENTIFIED
China's government is closely watching as several South China Morning Post articles focus on Washington's statements and stances rather than providing a detailed view of Tehran's position or those of Gulf States.
Beijing is taking note of a preference for covering economic consequences, with a strong emphasis on oil markets and diesel, while overlooking the direct humanitarian impact on civilian populations.
From Beijing's perspective, there is a lack of coverage on regional mediation efforts, with the Qatari delegation's role in diplomatic efforts only briefly mentioned, without further exploration.
SOURCES (1)
South China Morning PostCenter
MEDIUM
Tanker transit through Strait of Hormuz plunges as US-Iran ceasefire fractures
Trump says missiles 'locked, loaded and aimed at Iran' amid calls for his killing
Trump claims Iran wants to resume talks with US despite ceasefire breaches
Russia's diesel export ban deals fresh blow to strained energy market
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