Iran strikes disrupt shadow oil shipping routes used by Russia and China Tehran’s strike campaign threatens to disrupt shadow shipping networks and sanctions-evasion routes, raising energy costs for Moscow and Beijing and potentially squeezing Russia’s war funding and China’s industrial and military supply chains. As of Monday, the Iranian military’s targeting of key maritime infrastructure has intensified, with operations aimed at blocking critical corridors for illicit oil transport. These routes, often referred to as "shadow fleets," are used by Russia and China to bypass international sanctions and move oil through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade, has further escalated tensions. Western nations and their allies have launched coordinated efforts to target Iranian assets, including naval vessels and coastal installations, in an attempt to disrupt these smuggling operations. Analysts warn that the disruption of these routes could lead to a significant rise in energy prices worldwide, as both Russia and China rely on these channels to sustain their economies and military operations. The Iranian strikes have also drawn attention to the broader geopolitical struggle over energy resources. Russia, which has been under severe sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, has increasingly turned to China for economic and military support. Meanwhile, China’s growing reliance on Middle Eastern oil has made it a key player in the region’s energy dynamics. The disruption of shadow shipping routes could force both nations to seek alternative supply chains, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. The U.S.#iran #china #strait_of_hormuz #russia #persian_gulf
China Sends 70 Athletes to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, set to begin on Friday, will see China send a 167-member delegation, including 70 athletes competing across six sports. The delegation’s participation underscores China’s growing presence in winter Paralympic events, with athletes aiming to secure medals and promote the development of para-sports nationwide. The six sports include Para ice hockey, wheelchair curling, Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, Para cross-country skiing, and Para biathlon. Among the athletes, 62 have prior Paralympic experience, blending seasoned expertise with the energy of younger competitors. The team’s average age is 27, with the oldest athlete at 40 and the youngest at 18. The International Paralympic Committee reports that over 600 athletes from 52 countries will compete in 79 events, marking the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. The Chinese delegation’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony are Para alpine skier Liu Sitong and para snowboarder Ji Lijia. Liu, from Liaoning Province, earned silver in the women’s sitting giant slalom and three bronzes in downhill, super combined, and slalom at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics. She will compete in five alpine skiing events at Milano Cortina. Ji, from Hebei Province, won gold in the men’s UL snowboard cross and silver in the banked slalom at Beijing 2022 and will return to the same events in 2026. China’s rise in winter Paralympic sports has accelerated since hosting the 2022 Winter Paralympics, where it topped the medal table with 18 golds, 20 silvers, and 23 bronzes. At Milano Cortina, the nation aims to challenge traditional leaders like Norway, the U.S., and Austria while expanding its dominance from summer to winter events.#china #liu_sitong #ji_lijia #milano_cortina_2026 #wang_haitao
China Announces Flagbearers for Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics China has officially selected para Alpine skier Liu Sitong and para snowboarder Ji Lijia as the country’s flagbearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics. The announcement was made by the Chinese delegation on Thursday, marking the first step in preparations for the event. Liu Sitong, 31, will compete in her third Winter Paralympics, having previously participated in the 2018 PyeongChang Games and the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics. During the 2022 event, she secured a silver medal in the women’s slalom and three bronze medals across other events. She will take part in five para Alpine disciplines at Milano Cortina, a demanding schedule that requires both physical endurance and mental resilience. Ji Lijia, 23, is a rising star in para snowboarding. He claimed gold in the men’s snowboard cross SB-UL and silver in the banked slalom SB-UL at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics. Building on his success, Ji won both events at the 2025 World Championships, solidifying his status as a top contender. At Milano Cortina, he will compete in both snowboard cross and banked slalom, showcasing his versatility and skill. The opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics is scheduled for Friday in Verona, Italy, where athletes from around the world will gather to celebrate the spirit of the Games. The event will serve as a symbolic start to the competition, highlighting the determination and excellence of Paralympic athletes. Both Liu and Ji represent China’s growing strength in winter Paralympic sports, with their achievements reflecting years of dedication and training. Their roles as flagbearers underscore their importance to the nation’s delegation and their contributions to the global Paralympic movement.#china #liu_sitong #ji_lijia #milano_cortina_winter_paralympics #verona
