China Secures Safe Passage for Tankers Through Yemen's Blockade

China has been in direct talks with Yemen's Houthi movement to ensure safe passage for its tankers through the southern Red Sea. The Houthis have threatened to block Saudi oil exports, which would be a significant blow to global supplies.

The Houthis declared their blockade on July 20, expanding attacks on tankers carrying energy and other supplies to markets beyond the Middle East. China's transport ministry has been clearing vessels individually with the Houthis, allowing at least four tankers to load crude from Saudi ports bound for China since the restrictions were announced.

Despite these efforts, some tankers have changed course due to safety concerns. The New Champion and New Prime oil supertankers sailed back out of the Gulf of Aden after being informed that vessels may be attacked if they load or discharge cargo at Saudi Arabian ports.