China Urges Iran to Curb Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

China has urged Iran to rein in Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, warning that continued attacks could harm their business relations. The attacks, which disrupt a key trade route between Asia and Europe, have raised shipping costs and insurance. While China is Iran's biggest trading partner, their trade relationship is lopsided, with Chinese oil refiners buying over 90% of Iran's crude exports. Despite China's leverage, Iran's regional alliances and priorities, including support for proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, play a major role in its decision-making. The stakes are high for Iran as China is one of the few powers capable of providing the investment Tehran needs to maintain its oil sector and economy.