Facing Flak Over Lack Of Action, China Begins Escorting Ships In Red Sea: Report

The development comes at a time when various cargo shipping companies have decided to avoid the globally important trade passage citing attacks from Houthi rebels.

The Chinese navy has started escorting Chinese cargo ships through the Red Sea, according to a shipping company and Chinese state media reports, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

The development comes at a time when various cargo shipping companies have decided to avoid the globally important trade passage citing attacks from Houthi rebels.

Since November, Iran-backed Houthis have launched scores of drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, acts that they say are in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas in the war with Israel.