China seeks Houthi guarantees for tanker passage through Bab el Mandeb

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China held direct talks with Yemen's Houthi movement to secure safe passage for its tankers through the southern Red Sea after the Iran-aligned militia pledged on July 20 to prevent access to Saudi ports. Beijing sought to keep oil exports flowing from Saudi Red Sea terminals, principally Yanbu, to help plug supply gaps caused by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ship-tracking and industry data show at least four tankers loaded in Saudi ports and transited Bab el Mandeb for China, with Chinese officials clearing each vessel individually with the Houthis while some tankers changed course.

China secured individual clearances for its tankers through Bab el Mandeb.