China Arming Houthi Rebels in Yemen in Exchange For Unimpeded Red Sea Passage

Latest Developments

• U.S. Intelligence Reveals China-Houthi Network: American intelligence sources reportedly revealed that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are using Chinese-made weapons for their assaults on shipping in the Red Sea in exchange for refraining from attacks upon Chinese vessels. After Houthi leaders visited China in 2023 and 2024 to establish a supply chain, the group was able to obtain “advanced components and guidance equipment” for their missiles, according to Israel’s i24 News. The report claimed that the Houthis plan to utilize the Chinese weapons components to produce hundreds of cruise missiles capable of striking Persian Gulf states.
• China-Linked Vessels Continue to Navigate Red Sea: Maritime data confirms that “China-associated” ships are continuing to navigate Red Sea shipping lanes without being targeted, though a Houthi targeting error reportedly led to an attack on a China-linked oil tanker in March 2024. The Houthis have previously said they would avoid targeting ships linked to China, which purchases 90 percent of Iranian oil exports, helping counter sanctions imposed on the country’s energy sector.
• U.S. Previously Sanctioned China-based Companies for Aiding Houthis: On October 2, 2024, the United States sanctioned two China-based companies for providing “dual use components” to the Houthis that would advance their “domestic missile and UAV production efforts.” Shenzhen Rion Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Jinghon Electronics Limitedwere designated for having materially supported the Houthis, including shipping “hundreds” of advanced missile-guidance system components.

FDD Expert Response

“We now have credible reports that China’s communist rulers are supplying arms to the Houthi Islamists in Yemen supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. By now it should be apparent that the West is literally under fire from an Axis of Aggressors: Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and its proxies, and Pyongyang. They are determined to establish a new international order based on their power and their rules. The United States and its European allies have not responded effectively to this reality. Perhaps the incoming administration will do a better job.” — Clifford D. May, Founder & President

“As international scrutiny intensifies on the Houthis due to more than a year of attacks on Israel and commercial shipping, the group is likely seeking to diversify its supply chain to sustain its expanding missile capabilities. Additionally, the Houthis have learned crucial lessons from more than a decade of valuable battlefield experience. They have learned that exerting pressure on key states in the region, especially the affluent Persian Gulf states with their vast oil and gas reserves, may create significant global economic instability.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“China’s assistance to the Houthis is yet another signal that Beijing is actively contributing to global chaos and instability. From Chinese firms allegedly providing drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine to now providing support to a proxy group conducting strikes against Israel and the United States, China is cementing its status as an arsenal for autocracies.” — Jack Burnham, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Whatever Distance is Necessary’: IDF Strikes Sana’a International Airport in Retaliation for Houthi Attacks,” FDD Flash Brief

“Why are the Houthis attacking Israel – and can they be deterred?” by Seth J. Frantzman

“U.S. Strikes Houthi Command Center Amid Continuing Threats to International Shipping, Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Russia Provides Targeting Support to Houthi Attacks on Commercial Shipping,” FDD Flash Brief