China Pressures Iran to Curb Houthi Attacks Amid Red Sea Tensions
China has secretly urged Iran to restrain Houthi rebels in Yemen after Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing over threats to vital energy shipping lanes and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
China Pressures Iran to Curb Houthi Attacks
China has secretly approached Iran, requesting assistance in reining in Houthi rebels in Yemen following a Saudi appeal to Beijing. The diplomatic intervention comes after Houthi forces seized control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, threatening regional energy shipping lanes.
According to Reuters, citing three informed Iranian sources, Beijing conveyed a firm message to Tehran behind closed doors. While China has publicly called for restraint and freedom of navigation, its private diplomatic channels emphasized the need to prevent the conflict from disrupting vital global energy supplies.
"Stability and peace depend on ending the American-Israeli war against Iran," Tehran reportedly responded, linking regional de-escalation to broader geopolitical conflicts.
Impact on Regional Infrastructure
The security situation continues to deteriorate on the ground. A drone interception over Saudi Arabia's Taif governorate resulted in falling shrapnel, killing one person, injuring two others, and causing damage to buildings and vehicles.
Meanwhile, regional mediators are attempting broker a truce. According to reports from the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen network, Riyadh has asked Oman to facilitate a two-week ceasefire with the Houthis to address humanitarian issues and lift maritime blockades.
Economic Stakes for Beijing
As China remains Iran's largest trading partner and purchases over 80% of its maritime oil exports—averaging 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025—stability in the Red Sea is of paramount economic interest. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that regional escalation serves no one's interests, urging all parties to respect sovereignty and resolve disputes through dialogue.
