China urges Iran to control Houthi allies to secure Red Sea shipping

Iran: The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains longstanding ties with Yemen's Houthi movement as part of its regional influence strategy. It recently received private diplomatic communications from China concerning Houthi advances that threaten Red Sea shipping lanes amid broader Middle East tensions. China: The People's Republic of China is a major global power with extensive economic interests in Middle East energy routes and significant diplomatic leverage in the region. It has privately urged Iran to rein in Houthi actions following a Saudi appeal, while publicly advocating restraint and safe navigation in the Red Sea. Houthi: The Houthis, formally Ansar Allah, are an Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group controlling parts of Yemen and conducting military operations. They have conducted recent rapid advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, prompting international concern over maritime security. Reuters: Reuters is a global news organization providing reporting and analysis on international politics, economics, and current events. It broke the story on China's diplomatic outreach to Iran regarding the Houthis and discussed related developments in its Morning Bid podcast. Maritime Routes: Houthi military gains near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have heightened risks to one of the world's key chokepoints for energy and trade shipments. Energy Interests: Beijing seeks to prevent wider regional instability from disrupting critical energy transport routes essential to its economy. Diplomatic Efforts: China has privately pressed Iran at Saudi Arabia's request to leverage its influence and curb Houthi activities threatening Red Sea shipping.