China has managed to secure Middle Eastern oil supplies despite ongoing wartime disruptions at two critical maritime chokepoints in the region. Attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi-linked oil tankers at the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in Yemen have complicated shipping routes, but Beijing has still maintained its oil imports by leveraging strategic maneuvers and diplomatic balancing.

The Houthi rebels began targeting Saudi-related tankers transiting the Bab al-Mandeb last week, disrupting a key Red Sea passage used by Saudi Arabia to send crude oil to Asian markets while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, the Houthis allowed the safe passage of at least two Chinese oil tankers carrying Saudi crude through the strait; both vessels publicly identified as Chinese-owned and crewed. Since then, two additional supertankers loaded with Saudi oil bound for China have successfully cleared the passage. Observers suggest that the Houthis have exercised restraint toward Chinese ships, potentially reflecting Tehran’s influence over their actions.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz—another vital oil transit point—has been further strained by the renewal of a U.S. naval blockade and the ongoing threat of Iranian attacks. This blockade has disrupted tanker traffic and increased volatility in global oil markets. Despite these challenges, China continues to import Iranian oil by using a well-established floating reserve off Malaysia, a known method for circumventing U.S. sanctions. Analysts note that China’s diversified approach to oil procurement helps mitigate its vulnerability as a major energy importer.

“Iran’s continued presence in Hormuz strengthens China’s geopolitical leverage with respect to fuel security,” said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial in Sydney. Historically, Beijing has provided a financial lifeline to Iran while also purchasing oil from Saudi Arabia, balancing relationships with rival states to secure critical energy needs.

Since the onset of the conflict, Chinese oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz have shifted markedly. Data from commodity research firms indicate Iranian oil deliveries to China dropped from a peak of approximately 1.7 million barrels per day in March, before the U.S. blockade resumed, to about 523,000 barrels per day in July. Nonetheless, Iran’s share of Chinese crude imports increased to 24% in May before declining slightly, aided by ship-to-ship transfers near Malaysia that enable supply continuity despite sanctions.

Although China has not officially reported Iranian oil imports since 2022, the country remains the dominant buyer of Iran’s crude, accounting for roughly 90% of exports. Analysts attribute this sustained flow to spare capacity in tankers moored offshore Malaysia, where Iranian oil is offloaded for onward shipment. This system allows Tehran to sustain exports estimated at $5 billion to $6 billion during a brief pause in the U.S. blockade.

Maritime data also reveal fluctuations in Iranian-flagged cargo ships docking at Chinese ports, with an uptick in activity corresponding to the lull in enforcement from the U.S. blockade. Some of these vessels reportedly transport goods, including Chinese-manufactured materials that may be used in Iran’s missile programs.

The complex situation underscores China’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions and secure oil imports from competing suppliers amid regional conflict and Western sanctions. Recent movements include at least four Chinese-bound supertankers carrying Saudi crude through the Bab al-Mandeb, with additional vessels currently positioned in the Red Sea awaiting further orders. This multifaceted strategy illustrates Beijing’s commitment to maintaining energy security despite disruptions at key maritime routes.