A Chinese-linked tanker came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, prompting sharp reactions from Beijing as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated further. China confirmed that Chinese nationals were aboard the vessel, identified by reports as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker JV Innovation, though no casualties were reported. Maritime sources said the ship caught fire after being hit by possible shells or a drone near the UAE coast. The incident marked the first known attack on a Chinese-linked oil tanker since the Iran war began, raising fears over global energy security ahead of Xi Jinping’s key meeting with Donald Trump next week.