Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Diplomatic and military sources have revealed to “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” the growing Chinese role in the Yemeni conflict arena, amidst increasing indications of Beijing’s direct or indirect involvement in supporting the Houthi group. This development reflects the shift of the proxy war between the US and China to the southern Arabian Peninsula.
Information obtained by “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” from Western officials and Yemeni military sources indicates that the advanced weapons and new technologies used by the Houthis to target Western ships and US drones bear a clear Chinese imprint. This marks a qualitative shift in the armament map for the group, which has long relied on Iranian and Russian support.
Earlier in April, the U.S. State Department accused the Chinese satellite technology company Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. (CGST) of supporting Houthi attacks on U.S. interests by providing them with satellite imagery. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the company’s continued support for the group, despite repeated warnings to Beijing, “confirms the falsity of China’s claims of supporting peace.”
In contrast, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied knowledge of the accusations, affirming its commitment to supporting stability in the region. Meanwhile, intelligence and diplomatic reports speak of unannounced Sino-Houthi coordination, which has materialized through diplomatic channels in Oman. Its goal is to secure safe passage for Chinese vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, unlike Western ships, which have been a direct target of the armed group’s attacks.
Weapons and Technologies: By Iran and China
Yemeni military sources confirmed to “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” that Yemeni army forces and the Arab Coalition have confiscated advanced military equipment and spare parts, some of Chinese origin, that were en route to the Houthis during the past two years. Investigations indicate that hundreds of drones shot down during recent military operations contained components manufactured in Iran and East Asia, particularly China.
These findings are supported by a report issued by the Conflict Armament Research organization last March, which revealed the smuggling of hydrogen fuel cells used in the manufacture of long-range drones. Parts of this technology were identified as manufactured in China.
Preferential Treatment in Maritime Passages
In a related context, “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” cited a report by the Atlantic Council issued last May, stating that Chinese ships sail untargeted in Red Sea waters, while Western ships constantly face the threat of Houthi attacks. This is likely due to direct coordination between Houthi officials and their Chinese counterparts, which led to understandings about avoiding ships flying the Chinese flag.
The report indicated that Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi’s Supreme Political Council, was a direct party to this coordination, which culminated in “unofficial” agreements to provide safe passages.
Yemeni Diplomat: The Government Must Take a Stance on Beijing
Despite escalating international concern, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has not yet issued an official position towards Beijing, at a time when indicators of the deep relationship between China and the Houthis are increasing.
In a special statement to “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed,” a Yemeni diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it is time to request official clarifications from China regarding its role in arming the Houthis or facilitating their activities.
He added that “the situation no longer tolerates neutrality. China has become an active party in a regional conflict with international dimensions, and the Yemeni government must act to stop what appears to be Chinese involvement in a proxy war against the US on Yemeni soil.”
