China Presses Iran to Rein in Houthis Amid Threats to Oil Exports

Saudi Arabia has turned to China for help after the Houthis' advances threatened oil exports. The Iran-backed group's rapid gains along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have left Saudi oil shipments vulnerable, sources said.

Riyadh sought Beijing's assistance due to concerns that a widening conflict could severely impact global energy supplies. China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue, and the restoration of safe navigation, but its private message was more explicit, urging Iran to use its influence over the Houthis to prevent further escalation.

Beijing wants Tehran to help maintain stability in the region, which is crucial for China's oil imports. The country relies heavily on energy supplies from the Middle East, with Iranian oil being a significant component of its seaborne imports. In 2023, Chinese purchases accounted for more than 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day.

The Houthis' actions pose a significant threat to global energy supplies as they seek to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Analysts say that if Tehran fails to act on Beijing's concerns, it could lead to a wider regional conflict with severe consequences for both China and Iran.