At least 10 vessels trapped in the Gulf have altered their transponder signals to declare Chinese ownership or crew, according to shipping data analyzed by the Financial Times. The ships, ranging from container vessels to oil tankers, are adopting this tactic amid escalating attacks by Iran on commercial shipping in the region.

Some vessels are also manipulating GPS signals to misdirect potential guided weapons, causing them to appear clustered together on tracking platforms. About 1,000 ships worth approximately $25 billion remain confined in the Gulf and surrounding waters, according to Lloyd's Market Association. Iran has continued targeting vessels not only in the Strait of Hormuz but as far north as Kuwait.

Shipping analysts note this practice first emerged in 2023 during Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. While it remains unclear whether Iranian forces treat Chinese-claiming vessels differently, crews appear willing to try any tactic that might reduce their risk of being targeted. The deception highlights the extreme measures commercial shipping is taking to navigate one of the world's most dangerous maritime corridors.