The Political Nature of the Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz

The conflict involving the Houthis targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz is driven by politics rather than a policing action. Unlike Somali pirates, the Houthis are a political movement with the deliberate intention of disrupting world trade to support the Palestinian struggle against Israel's actions in Gaza. The conflict is not merely about outlaws, as perceived by the pro-Israeli position, but instead, both the Europeans and the Chinese recognize the political dynamics at play. Chinese vessels in the region emphasize their neutrality and the Chinese origin of their cargo to avoid being targeted, indicating an understanding of the political nature of the conflict. The Houthis' targeting of Israel-connected ships further underscores the political motives behind their actions.