Israeli media: A secret cooperation between the Houthis and China which threatens Arab Gulf states

Israeli media claimed on Wednesday evening that the Yemeni Ansar Allah group (Houthis) has cooperative relations with the People’s Republic of China, pointing to a threat forming for the Gulf states.

According to the Israeli i24NEWS, “according to intelligence information obtained by the United States, the Houthis are using Chinese-made weapons to launch their attacks as part of agreements under which Chinese-owned ships will be fortified… In return, China will provide political support to the Houthis”.

i24NEWS added, “According to US intelligence estimates, the advanced weapons used by the Houthis rely heavily on components produced by private companies based in China, and according to the information, China allows a permissive environment for purchasing weapons components from local companies”.

The report also states that the Houthis have successfully built a sophisticated supply chain in China.

Since the Red Sea attacks began, the Houthis have used this network to purchase advanced Chinese-made materiel and training components for the organization’s arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles.

This network is also used to purchase engines and electronic components.

i24NEWS indicated that according to information available to the Americans, Chinese components have greatly improved the Houthis’ ability to carry out their attacks in the Red Sea.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have regularly used weapons containing Chinese components and weapons manufactured using Chinese equipment.

The report continued, “In addition to the existing threats, US intelligence issued a serious warning that Houthi officials intend to use the same components to build hundreds of cruise missiles, which will be capable of striking the Gulf states”.

“Washington has passed information on this supply chain to Beijing several times since last September, including lists of Chinese companies that are part of the Houthi arming mechanism… There has been no indication of any action taken by the Chinese regime against the companies, and it has emerged that Houthi officials have come to the country several times in the summer and fall, apparently to hold meetings with senior Chinese officials,” i24NEWS noted.

“The United States has lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels with China against the arms supply chain,” the report said.

The Chinese have been informed that if these protests aren’t accepted, the Americans intend to work together with Israel to cut off Chinese trade networks from the global financial system.

The United States has already imposed sanctions on a number of individuals and entities in China involved in the supply chain.

In addition, revealed information indicates that the Houthis aspire to manage advanced weapons production systems, through new trade channels, also with the help of the Chinese.

This capability could give them long-term control over one of the world’s vital shipping routes.