4 Iranian sources and a diplomat said that Chinese officials asked their Iranian counterparts to help curb attacks by the Houthis allied with Tehran on ships in the Red Sea, otherwise damage could be caused to trade relations with Beijing.
The Iranian sources familiar with the matter said that the discussions The attacks and trade between China and Iran took place during several recent meetings held in Beijing and Tehran. The sources declined to give any further details about when the meetings were held or who participated in them.
An Iranian official familiar with the deliberations who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said, “Basically, China is saying, ‘If our interests are harmed in any way, In any case, this will affect our business with Tehran. Therefore, ask the Houthis to exercise restraint.”
The attacks, which the Houthis say are aimed at supporting the Palestinians in Gaza, have led to a rise in the cost of shipping and insurance as a result of the disruption they cause to a major trade route between Asia and Europe used widely by ships sailing from China. Broad.
The four sources indicated that Chinese officials did not make any specific comments or threats regarding how trade relations between Beijing and Tehran could be affected if their interests were harmed as a result of the Houthi attacks.
Although China was Iran’s largest trading partner on Over the past decade, their trade relationship has been unbalanced.
For example, Chinese oil refineries bought more than 90% of Iran's crude oil exports last year, according to tanker tracking data from trade analytics firm Kpler, at a time when other customers are turning away. About Iranian oil as a result of US sanctions, while Chinese companies benefited from large discounts.
However, Iranian oil constitutes only 10% of China’s crude oil imports, and Beijing has a group of suppliers that can fill any shortage from other parties.
The Iranian sources said that Beijing made clear that it would feel very disappointed towards Tehran if any ships linked to China were attacked or the country’s interests were affected in any way.
An informed Iranian source pointed out that although China is important to Iran, Tehran has agents in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, along with the Houthis in Yemen, and that its regional alliances and priorities play a major role in its decision-making.
In response to a request for comment on the meetings with Iran to discuss the Red Sea attacks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, “China is a loyal friend of the countries of the East.” "We strongly support the countries of the Middle East in strengthening their strategic independence, unifying ranks, and cooperating to resolve regional security issues."