At least four Iran-linked ships - including two that visited Iranian ports - crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday following the start of a blockade by the US. At least three others also crossed the key shipping channel.
China's foreign ministry condemned the blockade of Iranian ports as "dangerous and irresponsible" - a spokesman has warmed it would only "exacerbate tensions”.
Washington's blockade came into force on Monday.
US Vice-President JD Vance accused the Iranian government of engaging in an "act of economic terrorism" by blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Vance added that US President Donald Trump has shown that "two could play at that game".
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