For months, the Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global supply chains and escalating costs. While a coalition of over 20 countries, led by the U.S., has taken action against the militia, notably absent from the coalition is China, a key player in global trade.

Chinese analysts acknowledge the Red Sea's crucial role in China's economic interests, yet Beijing's response to the ongoing crisis has been muted. Despite being the largest buyer of crude oil from Iran, China has refrained from condemning the Houthis and has opted for a noninterference approach to the conflict.

Experts note that China's reluctance to get involved militarily stems from a focus on economic interests and a reluctance to take sides in foreign conflicts. While calls have been made for China to join the coalition in securing the Red Sea, as of January, there has been no indication of Chinese involvement.

With mounting pressure to resolve the crisis to protect world trade, analysts speculate that China may eventually be compelled to play a more active role in addressing the Red Sea situation. China's evolving stance in the Middle East conflict marks a defining moment in its role as a global power player.