China says Red Sea shipping must be protected

“China opposes attacks against civilian vessels,” a spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said without mentioning any group.

“I believe all sides need to play a constructive and responsible role in safeguarding the security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added. 

China is not a member of the US-led naval coalition patrolling the Red Sea. However, as one of the world’s largest shipping countries, it has a strong interest in seeing stability in the region.