China seeks Houthi assurances for safe passage of oil tankers in Red Sea

China has held direct discussions with Yemen’s Houthi movement in an effort to secure safe passage for its oil tankers through the southern Red Sea as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. According to sources familiar with the talks, Beijing wants to ensure that vessels carrying energy supplies to China can travel without being targeted by attacks.

The negotiations follow the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would block access to Saudi Arabian ports, expanding their military campaign during the ongoing regional conflict. The group said it would target ships linked to Saudi ports, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and global energy supplies.

Sources said China was among the first countries to contact the Houthis directly after the new restrictions were announced. Beijing reportedly requested guarantees that Chinese flagged or China bound tankers would be allowed to pass safely through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. A senior Iranian official was among those who confirmed that the discussions had taken place.

China’s priority is to keep crude oil shipments moving from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea export terminals, particularly the port of Yanbu. Maintaining those supplies has become increasingly important as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have reduced the flow of Iranian oil through another key maritime route. Officials believe uninterrupted shipments from Saudi Arabia will help stabilize China’s energy imports during the regional crisis.

Shipping data shows that at least four oil tankers carrying Saudi crude for China have successfully passed through the Bab el Mandeb Strait since the Houthis announced their blockade. Industry analysts said Chinese officials coordinated the passage of each vessel individually with the Houthi movement. Sources also indicated that both sides kept Iranian authorities informed throughout the process.

At the same time, the Houthis have warned international shipping companies that vessels loading or unloading cargo at Saudi Arabian ports could become military targets. The warning has increased concerns among shipping operators, prompting some vessels to reconsider their planned routes.

Two oil supertankers recently altered their journeys because of security fears. The New Champion, which was scheduled to load crude oil at Yanbu, and the New Prime, which was already carrying oil, both turned away from the Bab el Mandeb Strait and returned to open waters in the Gulf of Aden rather than continue through the high risk area.

Last week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla. Maritime security officials confirmed that the Encelia had been struck, adding to concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region.

The Red Sea remains one of the world’s most important trade routes because it provides the shortest sea connection between Europe and Asia. A direct journey from Yanbu to Asian markets through the Bab el Mandeb Strait normally takes around 16 days. However, ships that avoid the route and instead travel through the Suez Canal before sailing around the southern tip of Africa face voyages lasting about 50 days, significantly increasing fuel costs and delivery times.

Recent shipping data indicates that traffic through the Bab el Mandeb Strait has started to recover slightly despite ongoing security risks. Twenty eight vessels passed through the waterway on Monday, the highest daily total in four days, although traffic remained below the monthly peak recorded earlier in July. Of the 12 ships entering the Red Sea that day, four were oil tankers, showing that energy exports continue despite heightened regional tensions and continuing security concerns.