International oil prices rebounded sharply in intraday trading on Tuesday as markets weighed continued uncertainty over a proposed U.S.-led naval escort arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside reports that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile.
The West Texas Intermediate for April delivery jumped 3.39 percent to 96.67 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, as of 15:30 Beijing time (0730 GMT).
Brent crude for May delivery rose 3.08 percent to 103.30 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
A statement from The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman had been attacked by an unidentified projectile, suffering minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.
The UKMTO said the incident occurred 23 nautical miles (about 42.6 kilometers) east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. No environmental pollution was reported. The statement did not provide further details.
Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
