China Works to Ease Red Sea Tensions

China, as the world’s leading exporter, has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global trade by leading many shipping companies to circumvent the Suez Canal. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Wang Wenbin, stated on Wednesday that China is actively engaged in efforts to calm the situation, which has been exacerbated by Iran-backed Houthi rebels launching missile attacks on international ships.

Wang called for an immediate end to the harassment and attacks on civilian vessels and urged all involved parties to refrain from escalating tensions. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of maritime routes in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, a Shiite rebel group controlling Yemen’s capital since 2014 and at war with a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s exiled government since 2015, have justified their attacks as a response to the Israel-Hamas war. However, the ships targeted often have little or no connection to Israel.

Wang also linked the ongoing conflict in Gaza to the Red Sea tensions, underscoring the urgency of ceasing hostilities in Gaza to prevent further escalation and loss of control over the situation.

China, having exported goods worth over $3.5 trillion in 2022, is keenly aware of the importance of the Red Sea as a crucial international trade route. The disruption has led to major shipping companies and oil giant BP rerouting their vessels around Africa, significantly impacting global trade. The U.S. and other nations have responded by forming a new force to protect ships in the region.

The increased maritime tension has prompted a dramatic rerouting of container ships, with about 90% now bypassing the Suez Canal. This shift has led to a surge in shipping costs and contributed to a decline in world trade in December.

The U.S. has conducted strikes on targets it claims are responsible for attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and threats to military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

China’s relationship with Iran, marked by investment and oil imports, has led to Beijing hosting talks that restored diplomatic relations between Tehran and Saudi Arabia. Despite its efforts to mediate in the Middle East, China has avoided aligning with any specific side, which some critics believe diminishes its credibility in the region.

Wang concluded by emphasizing China’s stance that the United Nations Security Council has not authorized any country to use force against Yemen. He called for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Red Sea coastal countries, including Yemen.