Global outcry after Chinese naval vessels ignore Israeli ship’s distress calls amid Hijack attempt

In a concerning turn of events, Chinese naval vessels reportedly ignored repeated distress calls from an Israeli-owned commercial tanker that came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. The USS Mason and allied ships, including Japanese vessels, successfully recovered the hijacked tanker, Central Park, in an operation off the coast of Yemen. 

Concurrently, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired two ballistic missiles towards the USS Mason. Fortunately, the missiles fell at a considerable distance from the vessel, causing no injuries or damage. CENTCOM confirmed that the 22-member crew of the Central Park remained unharmed. 

Failure to respond: Chinese naval ships disregard distress calls 

During the rescue operation, the USS Mason detained five armed hijackers attempting to flee in a small boat. Preliminary indications suggest that these individuals are of Somali origin. Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder revealed that at least three People's Liberation Army Navy ships in the vicinity failed to respond to the distress calls.

"If there's a vessel that's hailing a distress signal, and all vessels in the vicinity should respond and help and support," emphasized Ryder, expressing concern over the failure of the Chinese naval vessels to adhere to maritime norms. 

Chinese Navy's inaction sparks international concern 

The multinational crew of the Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, hails from various countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, and the Philippines. The ship, which was transporting phosphoric acid, experienced what Zodiac Maritime referred to as a "suspected piracy incident." 

This incident follows an Iranian drone attack on the Israeli-owned vessel CMA CGM Symi in the Indian Ocean and the recent hijacking of the Bahamian-flagged Galaxy Leader by Houthi rebels.  

The Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem denounced these actions as "acts of Iranian terrorism" and highlighted their global consequences for the security of shipping lanes. The G7 nations issued a joint statement calling on the Houthis to cease attacks on civilians and international shipping lanes. 

As tensions escalate in the region, the incidents underscore the critical need for maritime security. The international community faces the challenge of ensuring the safety of vital shipping lanes amidst geopolitical complexities. The repercussions of these events extend beyond regional concerns, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to address emerging threats.