China's government reportedly sent a message to the Houthi movement in Yemen demanding an end to the blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The message states that blocking global trade routes is not a solution to wars, and that Beijing will not 'pay for this blockade like it did in Hormuz,' referring to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Chinese government has delivered a message to the Houthi movement in Yemen demanding an end to the blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to the text of the message published Thursday evening. The message, attributed to Beijing, explicitly warns that China will not bear the costs of the blockade as it did following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year.
As The Zioneer reported at 16:46 Jerusalem, the initial reports of the Chinese message have now been supplemented with the full wording. The message states: 'Stop the blockade on Bab el-Mandeb. Blocking global trade routes is not a solution to wars. China will not pay for this blockade like it did in Hormuz.'
The reference to the Strait of Hormuz is significant. In June 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) formally closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. and Israeli actions in Lebanon. The move disrupted global oil shipments and forced shipping companies to reroute, with China reportedly being one of the most affected economies due to its reliance on Gulf oil. Beijing's demand to the Houthis signals growing frustration with the disruption to global trade and a shift in its diplomatic posture, as it has generally avoided direct calls to the Houthis.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical maritime chokepoint for Israel, providing access to the Red Sea and the Port of Eilat. The Houthis have threatened to close the strait in solidarity with Iran, and have previously declared a blockade. China's intervention represents a major diplomatic development, as a key global power presses the Houthis to cease their naval campaign.
2 developments
- DevelopingHouthi movement declares closure of Bab el-Mandeb strait, threatens to fire on ships without authorization
- DevelopingHouthi military spokesman declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
- DevelopingHouthi official threatens to close Bab el-Mandeb, says Iran will shut Hormuz if US pushes Saudi war
- DevelopingHouthis deploy missiles, drones near Bab el-Mandeb, await orders to block strait, new report says
Source and signal
- Open-source intake