China, Houthis discuss safe passage for tankersChina has held direct talks with Yemen’s Houthis to secure safe passage for its tankers through the southern Red Sea after the rebel group threatened attacks on ships loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports, The Times of Israel reports, citing Reuters. At least four tankers carrying crude loaded from Saudi ports bound for China have successfully transited the Bab el-Mandeb strait since the Houthis announced restrictions on July 20.