To address the escalating Red Sea crisis, Canada has reached out to China, seeking its influence over the Houthi rebels.
The move comes as Chinese ships also face increasing risks in the region. Additionally, Canada has urged Beijing to cease aiding Russia in circumventing international sanctions.
During a bilateral meeting on Saturday, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, conveyed the message to China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. Joly emphasized the importance of China’s role in influencing the Houthi rebels to ensure the Red Sea remains open for navigation.
“It’s in China’s interests as an exporter,” remarked Joly during a phone interview on the final day of the Munich Security Conference. The Red Sea crisis has seen a series of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, affecting global shipping routes, including those used extensively by Chinese ships.
The attacks, purportedly in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have prompted calls from the U.S. and Britain for China to intervene through Iran to curb Houthi aggression.
Joly also discussed with Wang the necessity of upholding Western sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “We need to put maximum pressure on Russia,” asserted Joly. She emphasized the importance of preventing China from becoming a loophole in the sanctions system.
China has been a significant buyer of Russian crude oil, and Joly raised concerns about Chinese involvement in sidestepping Western sanctions. Chinese refiners have used intermediary traders to manage shipping and insurance for Russian crude, allowing them to continue purchases despite sanctions.
Following the meeting, Wang expressed the need to “rebuild trust” with Canada after years of diplomatic tensions. Relations between China and Canada soured in 2018 when Canadian authorities detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Subsequently, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges, leading to ongoing strained relations and accusations of Chinese meddling in Canadian elections, which China has consistently denied.
![Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo]](https://mmnews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mount-Arafat-350x250.jpg)
