U.S. forces have supported the transport of more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the past couple of months, said Brad Cooper, chief of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), on Saturday.
In a video posted on social media, Cooper said Iran was unable to export crude because of the U.S. maritime blockade, adding that the main shipping lanes in the strait have been cleared of mines.
Following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. forces imposed a naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
US forces support transport of over 1 bln barrels of oil via Hormuz: CENTCOM chief
International companies are looking to deepen their presence in China, citing growing opportunities in the country's increasingly sophisticated consumer market and expanding industries, executives said at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The expo, which opened on Thursday, has attracted more than 4,100 overseas exhibitors, including over 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, making it the largest edition of the annual event to date.
First held in 2018, the CIIE has become a key platform for international companies seeking to expand their business in China.
"I think more than half of the brands we have in China were introduced here in CIIE, so it's always a great opportunity. We've grown at the same time as the CIIE," said Nicolas Hieronimus, chief executive officer (CEO) of France-based cosmetic giant L'Oreal Group.
Singapore-based Perennial Holdings, a newcomer to the CIIE, is showcasing a full-scale model of a senior living community at the expo. The company sees the event as an opportunity to promote international cooperation and tap into China's growing healthcare market.
"It's going to drive a lot more healthcare initiative. So we believe that through this showcasing, there will be a lot of opportunities. I think on the medical side, there will be many international medical professionals interested to participate in the growth of the China healthcare," said Pua Seck Guan, executive chairman and CEO of Perennial Holdings.
Many exhibitors also said they have gained fresh insights into the Chinese market as measures outlined in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) continue to be rolled out.
"The Chinese consumer market actually became much more sophisticated. And people are looking for more, not just for products anymore and for technical features. They look for smarter products. They look for more innovations. And people are becoming more sophisticated looking for lifestyle products," said Bernd Rutzler, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of German cleaning equipment producer Karcher Group.
"We very much value the elevation of the biopharmaceutical industry to a strategic pillar in the 15th Five-Year Plan. This is very much in line with what Boehringer wants to do. We want to continue to invest in China and leverage the strong foundation that has been built in the ecosystem to continue. And we have established a lot of partnerships here already," said Ioannis Sapountzis, president and CEO of German biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim China.
Int'l exhibitors voice confidence in Chinese market at ninth CIIE
