China Responds To US And Allied Statements On The Red Sea, Affirms International Sealine Safety

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin responded to a joint statement by the United States (US) and several other countries condemning the Houthi group's attack on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

"China is principled to protect the safety of international sea routes and not cause disturbances to civilian ships," Wang Wenbin told media in Beijing, China.

The joint statement by the US, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and England was delivered on Wednesday (3/1/2023) regarding "illegal attacks" and the release of illegally detained ships and crew members.

According to the joint statement "Houthi will be responsible for the consequences if they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and trade-free flows in important waters of the region".

"The Red Sea is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Keeping this area safe and stable is a common interest of the international community," added Wang Wenbin.

China, according to Wang Wenbin, believes all parties need to play a constructive and responsible role in maintaining the security of shipping routes in the Red Sea.

The statement said that "the attacks on ships, including commercial ships, using unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, and missiles, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time against these ships, are a direct threat to navigational freedom which is the basis of global trade on one of the most important waterways in the world," the statement read.

The statement also said that the attack threatened the lives of innocent people from around the world, underscoring that the attack was a significant international issue that required collective action.

Touching on the negative impact of the attack, it was stated that international shipping companies continued to change their ship routes around Tanjung Harapan, thus increasing significant costs and delays for weeks in shipping goods.

In the end, it endangers the movement of food and fuel that is important, and humanitarian aid around the world.

"We remain committed to an international regulatory-based order and are determined to hold criminals accountable for confiscation and unlawful attacks," the statement said.

Houthi rebels in Yemen significantly increased their involvement in the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting ships in the South Red Sea. The group has warned that it will attack all ships bound for Israel.

It said the attack was aimed at supporting Palestinians who face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the most frequently used sea routes in the world for oil and fuel shipments.

Last month, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian mission to counter the Houthi attack on commercial ships in the Red Sea.