Don’t Shoot, We’re Chinese: Transponder Diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz
As Iran threatens to burn ships that enter the narrow waterway, some crews are gambling that a few words might protect them. ANALYSIS by Susan Katz Keating The Strait of Hormuz lay ahead when the cargo ship Sino Ocean changed its transponder. A new message appeared on maritime tracking screens: “CHINA OWNER — ALL CREW.” …