The US government has requested China to leverage its influence over Iran in curbing the Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen.
This appeal, aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea, was made during a meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Thailand.
Despite Beijing’s claim of addressing the issue with Iran, the White House noted ongoing attacks.
The Financial Times reported US diplomats urging China to pressure Iran into stopping the Houthis’ assaults.
We Secretary of State Antony Blinken also raised this concern with Chinese diplomats. Houthi attacks, disrupting Asia-Europe trade since November, have major powers alarmed.
The Houthis, controlling much of northern Yemen, justify their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Responding, the US commenced an aerial offensive on November 11 to deter the rebels, but the effectiveness remains uncertain.
President Joe Biden admitted these strikes might not halt the Houthis, echoing the internationally recognized Yemeni government’s call for US and Saudi assistance.
In a 12-hour discussion over two days, the White House official highlighted plans for a spring call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden.
Beijing and Washington described the talks as frank, focusing on managing their competition responsibly.
North Korea’s military activities
The discussions also touched on Taiwan, a contentious Beijing issue that opposes US support for Taiwanese authorities. Sullivan emphasized maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.
With William Lai’s victory, the recent Taiwanese presidential election further strained US-China relations, drawing Beijing’s criticism and Washington’s praise.
Additionally, Sullivan conveyed US concerns about North Korea’s military activities to the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister, who visited Pyongyang.
Both nations agreed to continue dialogue on artificial intelligence and drug cooperation.
Despite tensions over technology, trade, human rights, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, Beijing and Washington are committed to ongoing dialogue.
Last year, Xi Jinping’s US visit led to renewed commitments for military communication and addressing the fentanyl crisis, a significant US public health issue.