China calls for better coordination to stabilize shipping in Red Sea

China has called on relevant parties to restore and ensure the safety of the Red Sea maritime passage to jointly uphold the smooth operation of global supply chains and the normal order of international trade, said the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

Speaking at a weekly news conference in Beijing, He Yadong, a ministry spokesman, said the Red Sea is an important international trade route. The ministry will strengthen coordination with other government branches, closely monitor the situation in the region, and provide timely support and assistance to Chinese companies.

The current reluctance of many global shipping companies to transit through the Suez Canal has affected China-Europe trade and exerted pressure on operational costs of businesses on both sides.