Responding to a surge in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, China dispatched its 46th naval fleet to the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday. The deployment, announced by state news agency Xinhua, comes as international concern mounts over the safety of maritime traffic in the crucial trade route.
The fleet, comprising a guided-missile destroyer, a missile frigate, and a replenishment vessel, will assume escort duties previously handled by the 45th fleet. It carries over 700 personnel, including special forces units and two helicopters, bolstering China's presence in the region.
Houthi rebels, locked in a protracted conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government, have intensified attacks on shipping since November. They claim these actions are in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, though the Yemeni government and international observers condemn them as indiscriminate and endangering civilian lives.
The attacks have targeted vessels from various nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. A recent Houthi missile strike on a British fertilizer ship raised fears of an environmental disaster due to the cargo's hazardous nature.
China, with significant economic interests in the region, has long participated in anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. This latest deployment, however, underscores the growing security concerns posed by the Houthi conflict's spillover into international waters.
While the stated purpose of the deployment remains anti-piracy, analysts see it as a broader move by China to safeguard its maritime interests and potentially exert influence in the complex regional dynamics. The move is likely to be closely watched by other major players involved in the Yemeni conflict, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
The international community has urged the Houthis to cease attacks on civilian vessels and engage in constructive dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with no end to the fighting in sight, the risks to maritime security and regional stability remain high.
