China has called for an end to attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea and emphasized the importance of safe navigation in the area. This appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with his Yemeni counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Several vessels, including the Larego Desert and MSC Mechela in the Indian Ocean, and the Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea, have been identified as targets of recent attacks. However, confirmation from shipping companies or the U.S. military is still pending.
Wang Yi stated that China is prepared to continue playing a constructive role in addressing the situation, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
The Houthi group from Yemen has been launching drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea since November, later extending their attacks to the Indian Ocean. The Houthis have threatened to target any ships heading towards Israeli ports, including those in the Mediterranean Sea.
These attacks have forced shipping companies to reroute cargo through longer, more expensive routes around southern Africa, raising concerns about the potential spread of the Israel-Hamas conflict and further destabilization in the Middle East.
In response to Houthi attacks on vessels, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets.
Recently, on May 24, the Houthis claimed responsibility for assaults on three vessels in the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Arabian Sea. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree reported that missiles were used against the ships, while drones targeted U.S. destroyers. Although the exact timing of the attacks was not specified, this incident marks an escalation of Houthi aggression beyond the Red Sea.
