China Reportedly Asks Iran to Help Restrain Houthis Amid Red Sea Tensions
China has privately asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthi movement to help prevent the conflict from spreading across the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to three Iranian sources cited by Reuters.
The reported appeal came after Saudi Arabia sought Beijing’s assistance as Houthi advances and attacks raised concerns over the security of regional shipping and energy routes.
China has publicly called for restraint, de-escalation and the protection of commercial navigation. The reported private request, however, highlights Beijing’s growing concern about potential disruptions to strategically important maritime trade and oil routes.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a key shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Any prolonged disruption could affect commercial shipping, energy transportation and global supply chains.
The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz faces severe disruption, placing additional pressure on alternative maritime routes. A further escalation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb could therefore create simultaneous risks along two of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Source: Reuters,