China Keeps Close Eye on Red Sea Developments, Offers Trade Support

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that it is closely monitoring the developments in the Red Sea as the situation there escalates, and the country will provide support and assistance to foreign trade institutions.

A ministry spokesperson stated in an evening statement on Thursday, “We hope that all parties involved will restore and ensure the security of navigation routes in the Red Sea.”

The ministry added that it hopes all parties will work together to protect the smooth flow of global production, supply chains, and the natural system of international trade.

Officials in the shipping sector also stated that countries in the Red Sea region need to enhance security to protect endangered sailors with the increasing attacks on commercial vessels.

The attacks on ships since November have slowed down trade between Asia and Europe and raised concerns among major powers.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency, Arsenio Dominguez, stated that sailors are innocent victims and emphasized the need to maintain navigation freedom to ensure the flow of goods by sea.

These statements were made in a meeting with shipping industry officials on Thursday.

Additionally, Stephen Cotton, Secretary-General of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the leading trade union for sailors, expressed his deep concern about the situation, stating that “the safety of sailors must be the top priority.”

The Houthi rebels have detained 25 members of the crew of the Galaxy Leader ship, which they captured on November 19.

Cotton called for the unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader crew. On the other hand, the Indian Navy announced on Thursday that it had rescued the crew of a US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden after an attack by the Houthis.

In December, the areas considered at risk of war and high danger were expanded to include the southern region of the Red Sea as part of negotiable arrangements between sailors and commercial shipping companies known as the International Negotiation Forum agreements.

Lawyers stated that this measure enhances the protection of sailors. David Ashmore, an employment lawyer at the global law firm Reed Smith, explained that “this classification leads to increased costs for ship owners as sailors covered by the International Negotiation Forum agreements are entitled to double their basic salaries, in addition to compensation up to twice the amount for death or disability.”

Estimates suggest that approximately 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea. (Reuters)