Sources told Reuters that China is negotiating with the Houthi movement in Yemen to allow Chinese vessels to transit the Red Sea without interference, seeking to preserve China's interests in the Middle East. The report is from a single source and has not been independently confirmed.
Sources told Reuters on Tuesday evening that China is in negotiations with the Houthi movement in Yemen (Ansar Allah) to allow Chinese commercial vessels to pass through the Red Sea unimpeded, aiming to avoid harm to Beijing's broader presence in the Middle East. The talks, if confirmed, would mark a direct diplomatic channel between a major power and the Iran-backed terror group that has been targeting international shipping since late 2023.
China has previously been able to bypass the Houthi blockade in the Red Sea due to its strategic positioning, including a military presence in Djibouti near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, as The Zioneer reported earlier this week. Two Chinese oil tankers were reportedly loading crude at Yanbu and sailing through the Red Sea toward the Arabian Sea, apparently without Houthi interference.
The reported negotiations come amid a broader regional realignment. The United States, Israel, and several Gulf states have been reportedly preparing a joint military operation against Iran and the Houthis, as The Zioneer has previously reported. China's initiative to secure safe passage for its ships could complicate the coalition's efforts to pressure the Houthis, given China's economic ties with Iran and its opposition to military action. The details of the talks—including the scope, timing, and any reciprocal commitments—remain unverified.
- DevelopingChina's strategic positioning allows its ships to bypass Houthi blockade in Red Sea
- StrongHouthis complete preparations to attack vessels in southern Red Sea, deploy missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb
- DevelopingHouthis reportedly attack vessel in Red Sea; footage emerges
- DevelopingHouthis reportedly fire on Saudi vessel in Red Sea, analyst says
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