China Seeks Safe Passage for Oil Tankers Through Red Sea

China has established direct communication with Yemen's Houthi movement to ensure the safe passage of its oil tankers through the Red Sea, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies.

The move comes as regional tensions escalate and the Houthis expand their campaign in the Red Sea, declaring on July 20 that they would block access to Saudi ports.

China relies heavily on imported crude oil, including shipments from Saudi Arabia. To address growing uncertainty over supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, officials have been clearing individual tanker movements directly with the Houthis before vessels enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.