China negotiates safe passage for oil tankers with Houthis

China has established direct communication with Yemen's Houthi movement to secure safe passage for its oil tankers through the Red Sea, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The diplomatic outreach follows the Iran-aligned group's declaration on July 20 that it would block access to Saudi Arabian ports, escalating regional tensions and threatening a critical global shipping lane.

The Houthis' expanded campaign opened a new front in the wider regional conflict and specifically targeted vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. In response, Beijing sought direct assurances that Chinese-linked vessels would not be attacked. Sources indicate that Chinese officials have been clearing individual tanker movements with the Houthis before the ships enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea. Both sides have reportedly kept Iranian officials informed of these arrangements.

This effort is driven by China's urgent need to maintain its energy supplies. As the world's largest crude oil importer, China relies heavily on shipments from Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to keep oil flowing from Saudi Red Sea export terminals, particularly...