China urges end of 'harassment' of vessels in Red Sea following attacks by Houthis

China called for an end to "harassment" of civilian vessels in the Red Sea on Friday (Jan 19) after attacks on ships by Houthi rebels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

China called for an end to "harassment" of civilian vessels in the Red Sea on Friday (Jan 19) after attacks on ships by Houthi rebels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Houthi aggression against vessels in and around the Red Sea has led to retaliatory strikes in Yemen by US and British forces.

Some shipping firms are avoiding the crucial trade artery, causing delays along international trade routes.

And Beijing on Friday emphasised the area was an "important international trade route for goods and energy".

"We call for an end to the harassment of civilian vessels, in order to maintain the smooth flow of global production and supply chains and the international trade order," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.