Sanctions are failing to completely curb international trade in the Gulf of Hormuz, and clear evidence of this fact was the Chinese oil tanker "Rich Starry" which passed through the strait, thus breaking the American blockade.
The Chinese tanker seriously challenged the US initiative targeting Iranian maritime traffic. The “Rich Starry” traveled overnight and exited the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours of Tuesday, apparently encountering no obstacles along the way. Previously known as the “Full Star”, the vessel is subject to US sanctions. It is listed by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control as being associated with Iran and has been sanctioned for its involvement in the transport of Iranian products.
The tanker had been anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf of Oman. It returned to the Persian Gulf 10 days ago and has been on standby since then. News of its passage comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point plan for peace and stability in the Middle East to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The plan includes respecting peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, the rule of international law, and coordination between development and security.
The proposal focuses on respecting the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries, while also emphasizing the need for the security of energy infrastructure and transport routes, especially in relation to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Chinese plan also emphasizes the promotion of international laws and norms, implicitly opposing the application of a "law of the jungle" in international relations.
