China Tells Iran to Rein In Yemen's Houthis Amid Regional Tensions

China has privately urged Iran to rein in Yemen's Houthi group following a plea from Saudi Arabia, which is concerned about the security of its oil exports and shipping routes.

Saudi Arabia sought China's assistance after the Houthis made swift advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns over the security of Saudi oil exports.

China has not threatened to impose economic sanctions on Tehran if it fails to control the Houthis, but has stressed that escalating regional instability is not beneficial to any party and has called for an end to actions that further complicate the situation.