China Seeks Iran’s Help to Control Houthi Aggression in Yemen
In recent developments, China has reached out to Iran, asking for assistance in managing the actions of Yemen’s Houthi group. This request follows a plea from Saudi Arabia to Beijing, especially after the Houthis made significant military advances along the Red Sea coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, creating concerns for Saudi oil exports and maritime shipping.
While China has publicly urged for calm and dialogue, their private communications have been more direct. Beijing is hoping Iran can use its influence to stop the Houthis from escalating the conflict, which threatens crucial energy routes vital for China’s economy.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Iran’s response emphasized the need for peace in the region, which they believe hinges on ending U.S. and Israeli hostilities against Iran. However, Chinese officials have not made any threats or suggested that they would pressure Iran economically if they failed to act on this request.
In an official statement, the Chinese foreign ministry expressed that they do not want regional tensions to spill over into Yemen or the Red Sea, highlighting that instability is against the interests of all parties involved. They stressed the necessity of respecting sovereignty and ensuring that vital infrastructure remains protected.
Iran has a long-standing trade relationship with China, making it its largest trading partner for over ten years. In fact, more than 80% of Iran’s oil exports now go to China.
A senior diplomat noted that Beijing holds one of the few positions capable of persuading Iran to exert control over the Houthis. The Houthis, who oppose Saudi Arabia’s influence in Yemen, have been supported militarily and financially by Iran, forming part of its broader anti-Western narrative.
Any attack on shipping in the Red Sea or around Bab el-Mandeb could exacerbate the current energy crisis, particularly since there is already a significant threat posed by Iran to the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn that simultaneous threats to these two major oil routes could escalate the ongoing tensions in the region.
Despite China’s careful approach to push back against U.S. pressure on Iran, their interests in the Middle East go beyond just Iran. The region supplies nearly half of China’s oil imports, and its trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council amounts to around $300 billion annually.
The relationship between Iran and China is crucial for Tehran, especially as it faces sanctions and hostilities from the U.S. China has shown a willingness to support Iran economically, possibly through investments in its oil sector.
While China played a diplomatic role in rekindling ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this year, there is still frustration within Iran about the slow pace of non-oil trade with China since their cooperation agreement in 2021. Critics argue that China’s investment in Arab states has been significantly larger.
Overall, it appears that while Iran needs China for economic support, the complexities of their relationship mean that decisions will ultimately depend on various competing factors. Analysts are watching closely to see if China will enforce any consequences regarding its requests, as it could signal the depth of their influence over Tehran.
