Some commercial ships near or in the Strait of Hormuz and in the Persian Gulf have declared themselves as China-linked since the Iran war began, marine traffic data show, as their operators try to reduce risks of being targeted in attacks. At least eight vessels in or near the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman changed their declared destination signals to short messages such as “CHINA OWNER” or “CHINA OWNER&CREW,” according to the ship tracking platform MarineTraffic. The strategy appears aimed at deterring attacks by Iran or other forces. days, according to ship tracking platform MarineTraffic. Some of the vessels passed through the strait and headed for their destinations. Others were still in the area.
