In a joint statement released on Sunday, Egypt and China underscored their commitment to closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea with a primary focus on ensuring the safety and security of navigation. The joint declaration highlighted both nations' shared concerns regarding the expanding conflict in the region and emphasized the crucial need to address and prevent attacks on Gaza.
Following a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the press in Cairo. Wang Yi called for an end to the attacks on civilian vessels in the Red Sea, expressing deep concern about the recent escalation of the situation. While not explicitly naming the Iran-backed Houthi militia responsible for the attacks, Wang emphasized the necessity of halting harassment and attacks on civilian ships.
"The situation in the Red Sea has escalated sharply recently, and China is deeply concerned about this," Wang stated during the press conference. "China calls for a halt to the harassment and attacks on civilian ships and for the maintenance of the smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains and the international trade order."
Wang Yi indirectly criticized the U.S. and British airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, noting that such actions lacked authorization from the United Nations Security Council. He urged against exacerbating tensions in the Red Sea, advocating for a measured approach to prevent an increase in the overall security risk of the region.
While stressing the necessity for all parties to collaborate in maintaining the safety of Red Sea waterways in accordance with the law, Wang Yi also emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries on both sides of the Red Sea, including Yemen.
The collaborative efforts between Egypt and China reflect a shared commitment to regional stability and the preservation of vital trade routes, aligning with the principles of international law and mutual respect for sovereign nations in the Red Sea region.
