China Negotiates Safe Passage for Oil Tankers Through Red Sea with Yemen

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Reuters reports that six informed sources have revealed that China has engaged in direct talks with Yemen to ensure the secure transit of its oil tankers in the southern part of the Red Sea. This move comes after Yemeni authorities pledged to impede access to Saudi Arabian ports.

The Yemeni blockade, announced on July 20, represents a new front against the United States and its allies, according to Reuters.

Sources indicate that Beijing has explicitly requested Yemen to guarantee the safe passage of Chinese oil tankers. Informed sources suggest that China is obtaining transit permits for each vessel individually from Yemen.

Beijing is endeavoring to maintain the flow of oil exports from Saudi Arabian terminals in the Red Sea, particularly from the port of Yanbu. This effort aims to compensate for potential supply shortages that could arise from a complete blockage of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran at the exit of the Persian Gulf.

Concurrently, Yemen has previously declared its intention to implement a “blockade for blockade” equation against Saudi Arabia, with the objective of lifting the years-long siege imposed on Yemen by Riyadh.

Specialist publication Lloyd’s List had previously reported that the movement of Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea had almost entirely ceased. Since July 23, no oil tanker carrying crude oil has been recorded traversing this route.

The publication further reported that at least eleven oil tankers near the Saudi port of Yanbu had deactivated their tracking systems following the declaration of a maritime blockade by Yemen.