China backs dialogue to ease Red Sea tensions
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China consistently prioritizes the security of international waterways and favors resolving regional issues through dialogue, consultations, and political measures, the senior general said.
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China's Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Wu Qian speaks to reporters at a monthly briefing in Beijing, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023. (AP)
Speaking about the existing tensions in the Red Sea, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian expressed on Thursday Beijing's support for resolving regional issues through dialogue and political consultations.
Earlier this month, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed the desire for Beijing to participate in the US-led multinational operation Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at securing the Red Sea. This call comes in response to an increase in operations led by the Yemeni armed forces on Israeli-linked cargo ships in the region.
"China has always stood for maintaining the security of international waterways, sought to address both symptoms and root causes, and advocated resolving pressing regional problems through dialogue, consultations, and political means," Wu told a press briefing.
The spokesman emphasized that the Red Sea serves as a crucial conduit for international trade in goods and energy commodities. He underscored that ensuring security and stability in the region is in the shared interests of the international community.
Elsewhere in his comments, the senior general refuted claims alleging that the PLA Navy destroyer Urumqi ignored distress calls from an Israeli-linked commercial vessel, as reported by the Global Times.
China rejects US-led naval coalition?
The Chinese government appears to be dismissing Secretary of State Antony Blinken's request for Beijing to partake in the US-led naval coalition after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Thursday that "relevant parties, especially major countries with influence, need to play a constructive and responsible role in keeping the shipping lanes safe in the Red Sea."
The conflict in Gaza has sparked global condemnation, particularly after the explicit statement from the US expressing its commitment to supporting the regime in its genocidal campaign in Gaza. If Beijing were to join the naval coalition, it could have significant repercussions on its global reputation.
Read more: Israeli occupation desecrates Gaza martyrs bodies, steals vital organs
In November, the Yemeni resistance declared their intention to target ships affiliated with "Israel" and urged other nations to withdraw their crews from these vessels. The group pledged to persist with such attacks until "Israel" ceases its genocidal campaign in Gaza.
On December 19, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the formation of a multinational operation to secure the Red Sea. Participating countries include the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain, although Madrid has yet to officially confirm its involvement. The Yemeni resistance reiterated their commitment to attacking any ships aligning with the US-led maritime coalition.
