BEIJING: Reuters claimed that China has asked the Iranian government to rein in and control Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Beijing has warned that Iran would risk harming the business relations between the countries if the Houthis continue to attack ships in the important trading route.
Reuters quoted Iranian sources according to whom Beijing is not happy with Iranian support to the rebel group based in Yemen.
“Basically, China says: ‘If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint’,” one Iranian told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Sources told Reuters that China neither specified what measures it would take to punish Iran, nor did it use threatening language.
“The Iranian sources said Beijing had made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country’s interests were affected in any way”, Reuters reported.
