America and Its Partners Renew Call to End Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

The White House stated that the United States and 11 other countries issued a joint statement renewing the call to end the attacks by the Yemeni Houthi group in the Red Sea. The statement, released by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and New Zealand on Wednesday, said, "Let our message be clear: we call for an immediate end to these illegal attacks and the release of vessels and crews held unlawfully." It added, "The Houthis will bear the consequences if they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of trade in the vital waterways of the region." On Thursday, China described the Red Sea as an important shipping corridor for goods and energy, saying that protecting peace and stability in it is a common interest. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated at a regular press conference, "China opposes attacks on civilian ships. I believe all parties need to play a constructive and responsible role in ensuring the security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea."