China in touch with Yemen's Houthis to allow ships to sail through Red Sea, sources say

AI Summary

China has engaged in direct negotiations with Yemen's Houthi movement to allow Chinese tankers safe passage through the southern Red Sea amid the conflict and security tensions in the region. The talks come after the Houthis threatened to block access to Saudi ports, raising geopolitical and security concerns.

LONDON/DUBAI, July 28 - China has held direct talks with Yemen's Houthi movement to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Sea without being attacked after the Iran-aligned militia pledged to prevent access to Saudi ports, six sources with knowledge of the matter have said.