China confirms Marshall Islands-flagged vessel with Chinese crew attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The vessel that was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday was Marshall Islands-flagged with Chinese crew on board, and there are no reports of casualties so far, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed on Friday.

Lin made the remarks while responding to reports regarding an attack on a Chinese-owned oil products tanker.

"Based on information available, the attacked vessel is Marshall Islands-flagged, with Chinese crew on board. So far, no casualties have been reported," said Lin.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a waterway used for international navigation. China is deeply concerned that a large number of vessels and crew members have been stranded in the strait due to the war," said Lin.

China believes that restoring unimpeded passage through the strait as soon as possible and ensuring the safety of civilian vessels and crew members serve the common interests of countries in the region and the international community, Lin said, adding that China calls on all parties to take concrete measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

"China is ready to work with the international community to help end the hostilities and de-escalate tensions in the region," Lin said.

China confirms Marshall Islands-flagged vessel with Chinese crew attacked near Strait of Hormuz

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday reiterated the Chinese government's call for Paraguay to sever so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan authorities and recognize the one-China principle.

Responding to the Paraguayan president's provocative visit to China's Taiwan region, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian restated China's position at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

"The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community, and so far 183 countries have established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China on the basis of the one-China principle. China urges the Paraguayan authority to stand on the right side of history at an early date and make the right choice of recognizing the one-China principle and severing the so-called diplomatic ties with the Taiwan authorities," he said.

China urges Paraguay to cut "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan