The U.S. Once Again Asks China to Convince the Islamic Republic to Reduce Houthi Attacks

High-ranking officials from China and the United States held candid discussions on a range of topics, including Iran and Taiwan, on Saturday, aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries. According to Reuters, Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, urged Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, to use Beijing's diplomatic influence to persuade the Islamic Republic to reduce its support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Despite significant differences between these two global powers, these meetings are being pursued to fulfill a commitment made by Biden and Xi during their meeting in California last November, with the goal of reviving diplomatic discussions on various security and global economic issues. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the White House separately announced that both sides agreed to maintain contact to 'manage sensitive issues.' The presidents of the two countries are also expected to continue their discussions on this matter in a phone call next spring. Previously, Reuters reported that Beijing, which has good relations with Tehran, has asked the leaders of the Islamic Republic to take action to prevent Houthi militants from attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, or risk damaging their relations with Beijing. According to the report, discussions on this matter took place in several meetings in Beijing and Tehran, and the Chinese side explicitly stated that if Chinese-related vessels are harmed or Chinese interests are affected in any way, there will be severe consequences for the perpetrators and their supporters. The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the goal of the United States in the Red Sea is solely to deter the Houthis, not to escalate tensions. Continued Houthi attacks on vessels; reports of two missiles exploding near the port of Aden. CENTCOM: An American destroyer shot down missiles from Houthis supported by the Islamic Republic. The U.S. and Britain sanctioned four senior military officials of the Houthi group. The Wall Street Journal: Houthis in Yemen are being equipped with advanced Iranian weapons. Houthis promised maritime security in the Red Sea to Russia and China.