Chinese cargo ship Heng Yang 9 makes four stops in Sevastopol, Crimea

A Chinese cargo ship, the Heng Yang 9, has made four stops at Sevastopol, Crimea, since June 2025, in violation of Western sanctions. The ship reportedly utilized AIS spoofing to hide its movements, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The Heng Yang 9"s activities raise concerns about compliance with international sanctions imposed on Russia following its occupation of Crimea. The use of AIS spoofing indicates an effort to conceal the ship"s actual location and movements during these stops.

This situation is part of a broader context of international tensions involving Russia and its allies. For instance, recent developments include an agreement between Iran and Russia to sign a deal for eight new nuclear power plants this week, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two nations despite international scrutiny.

The Heng Yang 9"s actions exemplify the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing sanctions and monitoring maritime activities in contested regions.