Saudi Arabia Reportedly Seeks China's Help, Beijing Then Asks Tehran to Control Houthis
China has reportedly asked Iran to assist in controlling the Yemeni Houthi militants after Beijing received a plea from Saudi Arabia following recent escalations in warfare. This information was provided by three Iranian official sources cited by Reuters on Thursday.
Riyadh sought assistance from China after Houthi militants rapidly gained control over the Red Sea coastal peninsula and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait region, a development that has increasingly threatened Saudi oil exports. While China has publicly called for all parties to exercise restraint, prioritise dialogue, and restore navigational security, Reuters sources suggest that behind-the-scenes diplomacy goes beyond these official statements.
Beijing has reportedly requested that Iran use its influence over the Houthis to help prevent the conflict from spreading to the energy routes upon which China relies. The sources did not disclose the specific details of how Beijing’s message was delivered to Tehran, or whether the message was conveyed during the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday.
Tehran’s response, as well as regional stability and peace, remains dependent on the conclusion of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran. According to the same sources, Chinese officials have not issued threats or indicated that Beijing would exert economic pressure on Tehran should it fail to use its influence over the Houthis.
In response to a request for clarification from Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “China does not wish to see regional tensions expand into Yemen and the Red Sea. Regional instability and escalation do not serve the interests of any party.”
“The sovereignty and security of all nations must be respected, and vital facilities related to the livelihoods of the people must not become targets. China calls for an end to actions that further complicate the situation and encourages the resolution of problems through dialogue and negotiation,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement added.