Japan has decided to abandon the Strait of Hormuz and switch to purchasing Saudi oil from the Red Sea, now it’s China’s turn to take strong action!

Kyodo News disclosed that Japan plans to adjust its crude oil import routes starting in May. They intend to first load oil at a port on the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia, then transport it through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
This seems like a “brilliant move,” but in reality, it’s stepping into another trap.
The Strait of Hormuz, the throat of global energy. Over 90% of Japan’s energy depends on imports, with 95% of its crude oil passing through here.
Cutting off this lifeline, Japan’s societal operations face the risk of stagnation.
Refinery operation rates plummet sharply. Gas stations begin rationing supplies. The Nikkei index crashes. Public panic spreads.
In the Prime Minister’s residence, assessments suggest: strategic oil reserves can only last for three months at most.
Japan wants to buy Saudi oil from the Red Sea. This idea seems reasonable but is actually naive.
Saudi Arabia does have alternatives. They have a 1,200-kilometer-long oil pipeline that transports oil from the Persian Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
Saudi Arabia is restoring its oil exports to over half of normal levels through this pipeline. Outside Yanbu port, oil tankers are lining up in long queues.
But this route is not easy to take. First, capacity is limited.
This pipeline was built in the 1980s to respond to the Iran-Iraq War. Now, it is Saudi Arabia’s only lifeline.
Saudi exports are still tight, and the share they can allocate to Japan is a drop in the bucket.
Second, the Red Sea is more dangerous.
Houthi militants’ missiles have already locked onto this sea area. They have explicitly warned: any ships attempting passage will become targets.
Japan’s attempt to pass through here is like trying to catch a tiger without a weapon.
Houthi militants’ “greetings” are likely more direct and deadly than Iranian mines.
Currently, Japan is desperately “looking for oil” everywhere.
They are engaging suppliers from Central Asia, South America, and Canada.
They are even discussing with the U.S. about investing in oil projects in Alaska.
To cater to the U.S., Japan has cut off energy cooperation with Russia.
Now, they have also completely offended China.
Next, as long as China supports Houthi anti-ship missiles, Japanese oil tankers will surely meet their doom.