In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Egypt and China asserted their vigilant monitoring of developments in the Red Sea, with a specific focus on prioritizing the safety and security of navigation in the region.
The two nations expressed shared concerns regarding the escalating conflict in the area and underscored the significance of concerted efforts to mitigate attacks on Gaza.
Following a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the urgent need to halt attacks on civilian vessels in the Red Sea. Although not explicitly referencing the Iran-backed Houthi militia responsible for these attacks, Wang conveyed China’s deep concern over the recent intensification of the situation in the Red Sea.
Wang expressed deep concern over the recent sharp escalation in the Red Sea situation.
He called for a cessation of harassment and attacks on civilian ships, emphasizing the imperative to uphold the smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, as well as the international trade order.
Implicitly criticizing U.S. and British airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Wang highlighted the lack of authorization from the United Nations Security Council for such actions.
He urged against further inflaming tensions in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need to prevent an increase in the overall security risk of the region, refraining from explicitly naming the United States and Britain.
Wang underscored the shared responsibility of all parties to collectively ensure the safety of Red Sea waterways in accordance with international law. Additionally, he stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations on both sides of the Red Sea, including Yemen.
