What’s happening
The United States has reportedly approached China to persuade Iran to control Houthi rebels responsible for attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Despite discussions at high diplomatic levels, there appears to be minimal action from Beijing.
Why it matters
The involvement of China is critical due to its influence on Iran, which is allied with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attacks threaten international shipping and have wider economic implications, potentially exacerbating global inflation amidst fears of Middle Eastern instability.
The details
Over the past three months, the issue has been a point of contention and discussion between the U.S. and China, with prominent meetings taking place involving White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, his deputy Jon Finer, and Liu Jianchao of China’s Communist Party.
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized the need for action in dialogue with his Chinese counterpart. Despite these conversations, U.S. officials noted that China’s response has been lukewarm, limited to a mild statement rather than effective diplomatic pressure on Iran.
Recent military actions
The U.S. military launched strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen earlier this week, targeting anti-ship missiles and armaments that posed a threat to Red Sea traffic. In coordination with the UK, these strikes aimed at disrupting the Houthi rebels’ offensive capabilities.
Big picture
This confrontation showcases a complex geopolitical scenario where the U.S. seeks to safeguard maritime corridors while addressing concerns over potential global trade disruptions. Additionally, it underscores the strategic importance of Chinese-Iranian relations in the context of regional and international security.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.