Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said two "violating" oil tankers caught fire on Tuesday after hitting naval mines laid by its naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz, as its Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the country will not let any strike against it go unanswered.
In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC said the oil tankers sought to cross the strait through the "illegal" route south of the waterway when they collided with the mines, warning that attempting to cross the mined path in the strait is "illegal" and will result only in the burning of the "violators' assets."
The IRGC added that in another operation, its air defense forces shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone Monday night over the Strait of Hormuz, noting that its forces are constantly monitoring the situation in the region and will continue to exercise sovereignty and management over the strait.
Iran's IRGC says 2 "violating" oilers caught fire after hitting naval mines in Hormuz Strait
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the United States to recognize the significant progress made by Chinese companies and stop smearing and suppressing them, calling on Washington to ensure a level playing field and the safeguarding of broader China-US economic and trade cooperation.
Commenting on the U.S. government's move on Monday to impose sanctions on five Chinese companies over alleged "trade secret theft" under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, a ministry spokesperson said China had noted the development.
The spokesperson pointed out that the U.S. had hyped up so-called allegations of "trade secret theft" to stigmatize and sanction Chinese companies, seriously harming their legitimate rights and interests. "The move was egregious, and China firmly opposed it," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the rapid development of China's Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies resulted from years of research and sustained investment in innovation, reflecting China's commitment to independent technological innovation and open cooperation.
Such progress benefits China, the United States and the wider world and has nothing to do with the alleged "theft of trade secrets," the spokesperson stressed.
The spokesperson also urged the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, warning that China would take necessary measures in response, while resolutely protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
China urges US to stop smearing, suppressing Chinese companies
