China-Houthi talks on Red Sea tanker safety

China has held direct talks with Yemen's Houthis to secure safe passage for its oil tankers through the southern Red Sea after the Houthis declared a blockade on July 20 targeting vessels linked to Saudi Arabian ports. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, expanded attacks amid the Iran-US conflict, threatening energy supplies. Beijing requested Houthi guarantees for Chinese tankers transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and has cleared each vessel individually with the group, informing Iran of the arrangements. At least four tankers carrying Saudi crude to China have successfully transited since the blockade. However, two supertankers, New Champion and New Prime, reversed course due to safety concerns. The Houthis have also warned international shipping companies via email that vessels loading or unloading at Saudi ports may be attacked. The disruptions risk increasing shipping costs and voyage times, as alternative routes around Africa add over 30 days.