How China Is Supplying Weapons to Houthi Rebels in Exchange for Red Sea Passage?
China-Linked Ships Unimpeded in Red Sea: Maritime data shows that ships associated with China continue to navigate the Red Sea shipping routes without being targeted by the Houthis, despite a reported targeting error in March 2024 that led to an attack on a China-linked oil tanker. The Houthis have stated that they would avoid targeting ships connected to China, which is a major importer of Iranian oil, purchasing 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports and helping mitigate the effects of international sanctions.
U.S. Sanctions China-Based Companies Aiding Houthis: On October 2, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies, Shenzhen Rion Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Jinghon Electronics Limited, for providing "dual-use components" to the Houthis. These components were reportedly used to advance the Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities, including the shipment of "hundreds" of advanced missile-guidance systems.
Expert Reactions: Clifford D. May, Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), commented, “Reports now indicate that China’s communist regime is supplying arms to the Iranian-backed Houthi Islamists in Yemen. This highlights the growing alliance between Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and their proxies, who are pushing for a new global order based on their power. The West has yet to effectively respond to this challenge, and it remains to be seen if the incoming administration will take stronger action.”
Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal, noted, “As international attention on the Houthis increases, particularly due to their involvement in attacks on Israel and global shipping, the group is likely looking to expand and diversify its supply chain to support its growing missile capabilities. Their strategic goal appears to be exerting pressure on critical regional players, especially the wealthy Persian Gulf nations, to destabilize global economic markets.”
Jack Burnham, a Research Analyst at FDD, remarked, “China’s support for the Houthis is a clear sign that Beijing is actively contributing to global instability. From allegedly providing drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine to backing proxy groups attacking Israel and the U.S., China is positioning itself as a key supplier for autocratic regimes.”
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