Yemen says it raised Houthis' alleged use of Chinese technology with Beijing

Yemen's government has discussed the Houthis' alleged use of Chinese technology for weapons with Beijing, Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba said on Wednesday. The minister spoke at a virtual press conference as the civil war escalates, after a report alleged the Iran-backed group is seeking Chinese components for missiles.

What did Yemen's government say about the Houthis' use of Chinese technology?

Zouba said Yemen discussed "dual products" with China, which she described as a partner. She said Chinese officials were keen for any information they could investigate. She added that their support for the Yemeni government is clear.

"The Chinese are partners and we have discussed with them about, you know, the use of dual products," Zouba said in response to an AFP question about reports that the Houthis were trying to secure Chinese components to help manufacture weapons.

"They were very keen for any sort of information so they can investigate it. Their support to the Yemeni government is clear," Zouba added.

What does the report say about the Houthis and Chinese components?

The comments followed a recent report by the Conflict Armament Research group (CAR). It alleged that the Houthis were attempting to produce advanced medium-range ballistic missiles. CAR also suggested the group was "expanding its supply chains beyond Iran-linked supply networks, with several purpose-built missile components found alongside shipping documents that listed a Chinese supplier."

AFP has been unable to independently verify the allegations made in the report.

What is happening in Yemen's civil war?

Fighting has flared since a truce collapsed in July. The Houthis have used drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles to target Yemeni government forces and civilian infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia, with deadly effect. The group boasted of hitting Saudi oil giant Aramco's facilities overnight.

Recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport have killed at least 18 people since Oct. 7. The group has also targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, which is Saudi Arabia's alternative export route after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the wider Middle East war. China has long been one of the largest buyers of Saudi crude.

A Saudi-led coalition has supported Yemen's government militarily against the Houthis since 2015. The civil war has created a dire humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country.