Key facts
- China has privately asked Iran to help rein in Yemen's Houthi rebels after an appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- The request follows Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Beijing wants Tehran to use its influence to prevent the conflict from spreading across energy routes.
- China has publicly called for restraint and dialogue.
- Iran's response was that regional stability depends on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- China is Iran's largest trading partner and the main buyer of its oil.
China has privately urged Iran to help rein in Yemen's Houthi rebels following an appeal from Saudi Arabia, according to three Iranian sources familiar with the matter. Riyadh turned to Beijing for assistance after the Iran-backed group made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, moves that have increased the exposure of Saudi oil exports and shipping.
While China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue, and the restoration of safe navigation, its private message to Tehran was more direct. Beijing wants Iran to leverage its influence over the Houthis to prevent the conflict from spreading further across energy routes crucial to China's economy. The sources indicated that Tehran's response was that regional stability hinges on ending the "US-Israeli war on Iran."
Chinese officials did not issue explicit threats or suggest economic pressure on Tehran if it failed to act, the sources said. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that China does not wish to see regional tensions spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea, emphasizing that escalating instability is not in anyone's interest and that facilities vital to livelihoods must not be targeted.
China has been Iran's largest trading partner for over a decade and is the primary buyer of its oil, accounting for more than 80% of Iran's seaborne exports in 2025, averaging approximately 1.4 million barrels per day. A senior Western diplomat noted that China is one of the few countries capable of influencing Iran to curb the Houthis' actions.
Analysts suggest that the key test for Beijing will be its willingness to impose consequences for its demands, with evidence of China using its leverage over Tehran being the clearest sign of its resolve. The relationship carries significant economic and strategic weight for Iran, which faces US hostilities and relies on China for investment to sustain its oil industry and economy. China also previously brokered the agreement that restored ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023.