WASHINGTON — China has privately urged Iran to rein in Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to multiple reports, as escalating attacks threaten critical shipping lanes and global oil supplies.
Iran’s proxies in Yemen have intensified strikes on Saudi Arabia and sought to block Red Sea shipping, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek Beijing’s intervention. Three Iranian sources cited by Reuters stated that China asked Iran to withdraw support for the Houthis to prevent further destabilization of the region. The request came after a Houthi drone attack on Mecca, which drew condemnation from Muslim-majority nations.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed its stance, stating that it does not wish to see regional tensions spill over into Yemen or the Red Sea. The ministry emphasized that escalating instability is not in the interests of any party. However, the sources noted that China did not issue explicit threats or indicate plans to impose economic pressure on Iran if its demands were not met.
Iran responded by blaming the U.S. and Israel for Middle East hostilities, according to the Iranian sources. The country has previously accused external powers of fueling regional conflicts.
China’s Role in the Iran Conflict
China’s involvement reflects its broader strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly its reliance on oil imports. The country holds the world’s largest strategic oil reserve—estimated at 1.4 billion barrels by the U.S. Energy Information Administration—and has prioritized energy self-reliance in its latest five-year plan. Analysts suggest Beijing’s stockpiles have helped stabilize global oil markets amid volatility stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict, which began in late February.
The conflict has not triggered the severe oil price spikes some analysts predicted, though prices remain volatile. Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, described the U.S. as “free-riding” off China’s energy strategy, noting that Beijing’s reserves act as a buffer against supply disruptions. “If oil prices go way up, that hurts the global economy. If it hurts the global economy, it hurts them,” she said.
Regional Dynamics and Escalation Risks
The Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi Arabia and sought to disrupt shipping through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for oil transit. China’s request to Iran follows a broader pattern of Beijing seeking to mediate regional tensions while safeguarding its economic interests. Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi publicly urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and comply with a U.S.-Iran memorandum brokered by Pakistan in June.
Iran’s response—blaming the U.S. and Israel for regional instability—highlights the diplomatic challenges in de-escalating the conflict. The Houthis, meanwhile, have continued their campaign despite international condemnation, including a drone strike on Mecca that drew sharp rebukes from Muslim nations.
Analysts warn that further escalation could disrupt global oil supplies, particularly as China and other major importers seek to balance energy security with geopolitical tensions. The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution in sight.