China Secures Safe Passage for Tankers through Bab el-Mandeb Strait Deal

China has secured safe passage for its tankers through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, thanks to a deal with Yemen's Houthi movement. The agreement comes after the Houthis announced their blockade on July 20, targeting vessels carrying energy supplies and other goods.

The deal was negotiated directly between China and the Houthis, with Beijing seeking to maintain oil imports from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea export terminals, mainly Yanbu. This is crucial for China as it helps offset supply shortages caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

At least four tankers have loaded crude oil at Saudi ports for delivery to China since the Houthi restrictions were imposed. Chinese officials reviewed each vessel individually with the Houthis, and both sides informed Iran about the arrangements.