Canada Presses China: Safeguarding Red Sea Trade & Curbing Russian Support
Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly underscored the importance of China's role in maintaining Red Sea security and curbing its support for Russia during the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.
Addressing the pressing issue of Red Sea safety, Joly emphasized the mutual interest of both China and the international community in keeping the vital trade route open and secure. She urged China to utilize its influence to encourage the Houthis to uphold the Red Sea's stability, highlighting the risk posed to Chinese vessels amidst escalating attacks in the region.
The Yemen-based Houthis' recent strikes on commercial ships, exemplified by the missile attack on the oil tanker M/T Pollux, have not only disrupted global trade but have also increased shipping costs and insurance premiums. These actions directly impact China, a significant exporter reliant on smooth maritime routes connecting Asia and Europe.
Furthermore, Joly emphasized the imperative for China to respect Western sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She stressed the need to maintain maximum pressure on Russia, urging China to close any loopholes that could undermine the effectiveness of international sanctions.
Of particular concern is China's involvement in circumventing sanctions, especially in the energy sector. Despite Western restrictions, Russia has emerged as China's primary crude oil supplier, facilitated by intermediary traders to bypass sanctions. This collaboration has raised eyebrows among Western nations, urging China to align with the global effort to hold Russia accountable.
Following her bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Joly highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust between Canada and China. The relationship between the two nations soured in late 2018 following the detention of a Chinese telecom executive in Canada and the subsequent arrest of two Canadians in China on espionage charges.
Throughout the tumultuous period, diplomatic tensions persisted, with Canada investigating alleged Chinese interference in its elections. Despite China's repeated denial of involvement, the strained relations underscored the need for dialogue and mutual understanding between the two countries.
As the international community grapples with complex geopolitical challenges, Canada's diplomatic efforts at the Munich Security Conference signal a commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing shared concerns on the global stage.
