Chinese Shipping Firms Expand Red Sea Operations Amid Crisis

As Western vessels reroute to avoid Houthi attacks, Chinese companies seize the opportunity, betting on their perceived immunity.

Chinese shipping companies have nearly doubled their share of Red Sea transits, leveraging perceived immunity from Houthi attacks.
The surge in Chinese maritime activity comes as Western ships avoid the area, leading to a significant drop in container traffic.
China's strategic alignment with Iran, and by extension the Houthis, is believed to underpin the safety of its vessels in the region.
Pressure mounts on China to take more decisive action in the Red Sea, amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and global trade disruptions.
The disruption has far-reaching impacts, including on the global black tea supply chain, highlighting the interconnectedness of global trade.