The Red Sea is no longer a distant crisis: Asean should speak up — Phar Kim Beng

The Red Sea has become a focal point of geopolitical tension following the Houthi rebels' seizure of key islands and the port of Mokha in Yemen. This development is not merely an extension of Yemen's ongoing civil war but a direct challenge to the security of global trade, particularly through the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Houthis' persistent territorial control, facilitated by island bases, enhances their ability to monitor the strait, resupply their positions, and project psychological pressure on shipping lanes, potentially leading to increased costs for global trade and heightened regional instability. The broader implications include rising freight rates, disrupted supply chains, and the risk of escalation, which could have profound economic repercussions for countries in Asia and beyond, including Asean.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.