China has held direct talks with Yemen’s Houthis to secure safe passage for oil tankers carrying Saudi crude through the Red Sea, as the terrorist group threatens vessels using Saudi and Emirati ports, Reuters reported.

The negotiations began after the Houthis announced a blockade on July 20, opening another front in the regional conflict and threatening to attack tankers carrying energy products from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Beijing asked the Houthis to guarantee that Chinese-bound shipments would be allowed to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait unharmed.

At least four tankers carrying Saudi crude to China have passed through the waterway since the restrictions were announced. Sources said Chinese officials received approval from the Houthis for each vessel individually, with Beijing providing lists of ships before they entered the area. Both China and the Houthis also informed Iran of the arrangements.

China imported nearly two million barrels of crude oil per day from Saudi Arabia during the first half of the year, making the kingdom one of Beijing’s largest oil suppliers. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu is an important export hub for shipments bound for Asia.

The Houthis have warned international shipping companies that vessels loading or unloading at Saudi or Emirati ports could be targeted. Some tankers have already begun avoiding the Red Sea and sailing around Africa, a route that can add several weeks to the journey.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)