Why many ships are displaying 'all Chinese' identity in Red Sea

At least nine ships, while approaching or traversing the Red Sea, have altered their automatic identification system (AIS) to display messages such as 'CHINESE' or 'ALL CHINESE'. This system is a global tracker mandated by international maritime convention. This new practice suggests that ship owners or crews believe demonstrating links to China might make them appear sympathetic to Palestinians in Gaza or the Houthis, who have intensified attacks in the Red Sea since November. This aligns with Beijing's nationalist push to portray China as neutral in global conflicts.