Beijing urges Tehran to curb Houthi advances after Saudi appeal

Key points

• Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing after Houthi forces captured Mokha and advanced toward Perim Island, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• China’s foreign ministry publicly called for restraint and dialogue, but private messages to Tehran went further, urging Iran to prevent conflict spillover.
• Iran stated that regional peace depends on ending US-Israeli war actions against it, without acknowledging specific commitments to curb Houthi activity.
• The Houthis’ advance threatens the Red Sea route, which Saudi Arabia relies on for oil exports after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed by Iran.
• China’s leverage is limited by Iran’s competing priorities, including its reliance on Chinese oil purchases and diplomatic support amid US sanctions.

Background

This development follows earlier reports of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeking US military assistance against the Houthis, which Washington declined to provide directly, offering only intelligence support. The crisis occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping, and follows China’s 2023 brokering of Saudi-Iran diplomatic ties. Recent archive coverage highlights growing concerns over dual disruptions to both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which would simultaneously sever the Middle East’s two primary oil-export routes.

How outlets are covering it

The Jerusalem Post and Business Insider Africa emphasize China’s private diplomatic pressure on Tehran, highlighting Beijing’s economic exposure to the region and its role as Iran’s largest trading partner. Al-Monitor frames the situation as an opportunity for China to exploit a perceived US security gap, noting that Washington’s refusal to intervene militarily against the Houthis contrasts with its 2025 strikes. While all sources agree on the private nature of China’s request, Al-Monitor stresses the strategic contradiction of decoupling Hormuz from Bab el-Mandeb, whereas the Jerusalem Post focuses on the uncertainty of Tehran’s response and the limits of Beijing’s influence. Business Insider Africa highlights the broader implications for African ports and global trade, noting that the Bab el-Mandeb crisis affects the Horn of Africa and Suez Canal routes.

Why it matters

The Houthi advance threatens to disrupt the Red Sea shipping route, which is critical for Saudi oil exports and global energy markets. If both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are compromised, it could trigger a severe global energy crisis and escalate regional conflicts. China’s intervention reflects its growing diplomatic influence in the Middle East, but its ability to enforce compliance depends on Iran’s willingness to prioritize Chinese interests over its own strategic goals. The situation also underscores the fragility of US security commitments in the Gulf, potentially accelerating a shift toward a more fragmented regional order where China plays a larger role.

What to watch

Analysts will monitor whether China attaches economic or diplomatic consequences to its demands on Iran, as this will determine the effectiveness of Beijing’s pressure. The key test is whether Tehran acts on China’s request or continues to prioritize its own strategic objectives, including its confrontation with the US and Israel. Additionally, the outcome of US-Houthi talks in Muscat and any further Saudi appeals to other powers, such as the UK, will shape the trajectory of the crisis. The potential for a wider regional war remains high if the Houthis sustain attacks on Red Sea shipping, further straining global energy markets and diplomatic relations.