PNN – Citing six informed sources, Reuters reported that China has held direct talks with the Yemenis to ensure the safe passage of its oil tankers through the Red Sea.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; citing Reuters, six informed sources stated that China engaged in direct negotiations with Yemen to facilitate the safe transit of its oil tankers through the southern Red Sea; this move followed the Yemenis’ pledge to block access to Saudi Arabian ports.
According to Reuters, the Yemenis announced this blockade on July 20, opening a new front against the United States and its allies.
According to these sources, Beijing has directly asked the Yemenis to guarantee the safe passage of Chinese oil tankers.
Informed sources state that China secures passage authorization from Yemen for each vessel individually.
Beijing is striving to maintain the flow of oil exports from Saudi terminals on the Red Sea—particularly the port of Yanbu—to offset supply shortages resulting from a potential total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (at the mouth of the Persian Gulf) by Iran.
This comes as Yemen had previously announced the implementation of a “blockade-for-blockade” strategy against Saudi Arabia, aimed at lifting the years-long blockade imposed on the country by Riyadh.
The specialized publication Lloyd’s List had also previously reported that the movement of Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea has virtually ceased, with no crude oil tankers recorded on this route since July 23.
The publication further reported that at least 11 oil tankers turned off their tracking systems near the Saudi port of Yanbu following Yemen’s announcement of a naval blockade.