BEIJING: China has privately asked Iran to use its influence with Yemen’s Houthis to prevent further regional escalation after Saudi Arabia sought Beijing’s assistance, Reuters reported, citing three Iranian sources familiar with the discussions.
According to the sources, Riyadh approached China after Houthi forces made rapid advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, increasing concerns over Saudi oil exports and commercial shipping.
Beijing has publicly called for restraint and dialogue. However, the sources said its private message specifically urged Tehran to help prevent fighting from spreading across crucial energy routes.
Beijing Seeks Stability Across Key Energy Corridors
The sources did not disclose how China delivered its message or whether officials raised the issue during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to China on Wednesday.
They said Tehran responded that regional stability depended on ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry told Reuters that further escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea served no party’s interests and called for disputes to be resolved through negotiations.
The sources said Beijing issued no economic threats against Tehran.
China’s Economic Ties Give Beijing Significant Leverage
China remains Iran’s largest trading partner and principal oil customer. Kpler data showed Chinese purchases accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels daily.
Furthermore, disruption around Bab el-Mandeb could compound pressure on global energy markets amid restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts said China has significant economic influence over Iran but also maintains extensive commercial interests with Gulf Arab states.
Nevertheless, the Iranian sources said Tehran must balance Beijing’s concerns against wider strategic, economic and political considerations.
Iranian and Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
