China urges Iran to control Houthis after Saudi attack
6 sourcesUpdated Sep 17, 2026
China privately asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen's Houthis to prevent conflict spreading to energy routes after Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing. That appeal followed the Houthis' rapid advance along the Red Sea coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the previous week. Beijing's private message went beyond public calls for restraint, dialogue and safe navigation. Iranian sources said Tehran replied that stability and peace in the region depend on ending the US and Israeli war against Iran, and that Chinese officials made no direct threats or mention of possible economic pressure. China's Foreign Ministry told Reuters it does not want regional tensions to spread further to Yemen and the Red Sea and calls for dialogue and negotiations. Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Saudi media office gave no immediate comment. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited China on Wednesday; whether the appeal was raised then is unknown. China has been Iran's largest trading partner for more than 10 years and main oil buyer, with 2025 purchases above 80 percent of Iran's seaborne oil exports, about 1.4 million barrels per day per Kpler. A Western diplomat said Beijing wants shipping restored through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea safety, yet it remains unclear if Beijing will use leverage over Tehran.
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The Saudis have every right to defend their territory but more outside pressure might help deescalate.
China buys a lot of Iranian oil so their call for restraint carries real weight right now.
Iran needs to show it can actually influence the Houthis or these attacks will keep happening.