Chinese Tanker Crosses Red Sea Despite Houthi Blockade

According to Lloyd's List, the VLCC Xin Long Yang, an oil tanker owned by Cosco Shipping from China, has been allowed to navigate through the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Houthi militia in Yemen, which imposed a blockade on vessels heading to Saudi Arabia on Monday, seems to be permitting certain ships to pass selectively. Chinese tankers returning from Yanbu, a Saudi port, may seek permission from the Iranian-aligned Houthis for transit. The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, reported that seven ships have changed their routes to avoid the strait following the Houthi threats. On Wednesday night, the Saudi oil tanker Encelia was attacked, resulting in a fire. The Houthis have been engaged in conflict with Saudi Arabia for more than ten years, with a recent escalation occurring just days prior to the blockade announcement.