In a recent development, Chinese officials have reportedly engaged in discussions with their Iranian counterparts, urging them to intervene in the ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. This marks the first-known report of direct communication between China and Iran regarding the matter, according to Reuters.

An Iranian official, who was briefed on the talks, stated that China had conveyed a clear message to Iran: any harm to Chinese interests as a result of the attacks would impact their bilateral trade. The Chinese government is now pressing Iran to exert control over the Yemen-based Houthi fighters and encourage restraint.

While China has publicly expressed disapproval over disruptions to international shipping and emphasized its support for maritime security, it has not openly condemned the Houthi rebels, despite their repeated drone and anti-ship ballistic missile strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The motivations behind the Houthi attacks stem from their opposition to Israel and their solidarity with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. Interestingly, China did not condemn Hamas's recent attack on October 7, which was deemed the deadliest violence against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. China has linked the shipping crisis in the Red Sea to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Chinese officials have also questioned the legitimacy of the United States-led airstrikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen. This increased U.S. involvement in the Middle East has provided a propaganda opportunity for Chinese state media outlets.

However, these Houthi attacks are not only impacting the political landscape but also causing significant disruptions to Chinese trade. Several major shipping companies have now started opting for alternative routes due to the escalating conflict.

Although the participants of the China-Iran discussions were not disclosed, the talks reportedly took place during recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran. These meetings highlighted the potential jeopardy of the extensive trade ties between China and Iran if the attacks continue.

Sources indicate that while China's pressure was indirect and lacked explicit threats, there was no doubt that Beijing would be disappointed if vessels associated with China or any Chinese interests were targeted or compromised.

When approached for comment on the Reuters report, China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond.

China has longstanding defense and trade partnerships with Iran, being a major supplier for Iran's missile and drone program. Chinese oil refiners are also Iran's largest customers, accounting for an estimated 90% or more of its crude oil exports last year.

Despite recent airstrikes conducted by the U.S. and the UK on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, along with repeated warnings and the establishment of a U.S.-led naval coalition, these actions appear to have had minimal impact in deterring the rebels.

The Houthi movement, representing Shiite Muslims, emerged in the 1980s and currently controls a substantial portion of Yemen, including the capital city Sanaa and significant stretches of the country's Red Sea coastline. The rebels are believed to receive funding, training, and weaponry from Iran.

U.S. officials have long held the belief that China holds influence over Iran and have called on Chinese officials to take measures to ensure maritime security.