Chatham House published on 7 February 2024 an analysis titled "Yes, China Pressured Iran on Red Sea Attacks--But Only to Protect Its Own Ships" by Ahmed Aboudouh.
China's pressure on Iran to rein in Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping was focused exclusively on extracting guarantees to protect China's direct interests. There is no evidence to suggest Beijing was interested in putting its credibility on the line to push for a full de-escalation in the Red Sea. The Houthis subsequently granted Chinese and Russian ships immunity from attack.
