Beijing Urges Tehran to Rein in Houthis Amid Saudi Concerns

China has privately urged Iran to help control Yemen's Houthi movement after Saudi Arabia asked Beijing for assistance. The request follows rapid advances by Houthi forces along the Red Sea coast last week.

Saudi Arabia approached China because of concerns that the Houthis' gains could threaten oil exports and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint in the region.

China's message to Iran went further than its public calls for restraint and dialogue. It urged Tehran to use its influence over the Houthis to prevent the conflict from spreading and threatening energy routes that China relies on heavily.

The relationship between China and Iran is significant because Beijing is one of Iran's largest trading partners, with Chinese purchases making up more than 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports in 2025. This amounts to roughly 1.4 million barrels per day.