- The U.S. State Department confirmed a report that a Chinese satellite company is helping Houthi rebels target American warships by providing imagery to the designated terror group. A State Department spokesperson called the alleged support “unacceptable.”
- Beijing’s embassy in Washington declined to comment on the report.
- The Houthis have been launching attacks against U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, in response to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
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The United States accused a Chinese satellite technology firm of supplying Houthi Rebels in Yemen with imagery to help them target American warships in the region. The U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday, April 17, an earlier report on the accusations by the Financial Times.
State Department officials said the reported support from Chang Guang Satellite Technology was “unacceptable.”
What is the Chinese company accused of?
The Financial Times reported the Chinese company not only helped Houthis target American vessels, but international ships in the Red Sea as well.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the agency “can confirm reporting that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on U.S. interests.”
“China consistently attempts… to frame itself as a global peacemaker,” Bruce said. “However, it is clear that Beijing and China-based companies provide key economic and technical support to regimes like Russia, North Korea and Iran and its proxies.”
Bruce added that the satellite company helped the designated terrorist organization despite the U.S. discussing the issue with China, Reuters reported.
“The fact that they continue to do this is unacceptable,” Bruce said.
A spokesperson for China’s Washington Embassy declined to comment, according to Reuters, citing a lack of knowledge.
When did the Houthi attacks begin in the Red Sea?
The accusations came as Washington and Beijing remain engaged in a trade war and the Trump administration ramps up attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Houthis began launching attacks against U.S. ships and other vessels in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route, in response to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza that started in 2023.
What did China say previously?
China said it was concerned over the Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
The Biden administration previously called on Beijing to use its ties with Iran to stop Houthi attacks. U.S. officials told The Financial Times they saw no sign China listened.
What is the Trump administration’s stance on the Red Sea?
President Donald Trump vowed to stabilize the region as Houthi attacks threaten global trade.
“Beijing should take this priority seriously when considering support to CGSTL,” Bruce said.
