Chinese state media and a shipping company have reported that China’s navy has begun escorting Chinese cargo ships across the Red Sea. This occurs as a result of numerous cargo transport companies choosing to steer clear of the internationally significant trade route due to Houthi rebel attacks.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have attacked ships traveling through the Red Sea with drones and missiles numerous times since November. They claim that these strikes are in support of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in its conflict with Israel. In response to the attacks, a coalition led by the United States and supported by a combined force from Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Holland, Italy, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain has launched missile strikes on Houthi locations. However, they haven’t prevented ships from being targeted as of yet.
Additionally, Sea Legend Delivery, a Qingdao-based firm registered in Singapore, is aggressively marketing its cargo business through the Red Sea, whereas the majority of ship companies have rerouted to circumnavigate Africa, tripling expenses and delivery times. According to Chinese media, the company claims that it is one of the few still operating in the Red Sea, with the Chinese navy providing security escorts for its five cargo ships since January. A British oil tanker carrying Russian oil was struck by a Houthi missile and set on fire last week, despite the Houthis’ claims that ships from certain nations, such as China and Russia, can go through the Red Sea without risk. Even ships transporting Russian fuel are reportedly allegedly avoiding the Red Sea.
Around 12% of the world’s maritime oil commerce and 40% of trade between Europe and Asia pass through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. On February 1, John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications for the U.S. National Security Council, stated that he was unable to verify allegations that the Chinese navy was escorting ships in the Red Sea and that he was unaware of any coordination between the Chinese and American warships or coalition forces. China has been urged by Western nations to put pressure on Tehran, its ally, to order the Houthis to retreat. In a report released on January 30, the International Monetary Fund cautioned that ongoing attacks in the Red Sea were jeopardizing a better forecast for global economic development by threatening to drive commodity prices.
