Israel has accused China of providing the Houthi rebels in Yemen with advanced weapons in exchange for promises of safe passage for Chinese merchant ships in the Red Sea. US intelligence has also uncovered a supply chain that the Houthis have set up in China to purchase missile components and drones.

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies, including Shenzhen Boyue Import and Export Company, that have been facilitating these transfers. These allegations have raised concerns about the Houthis’ increased military capabilities and potential threats to regional stability.

Israeli media outlets have reported that Houthi leaders are planning to produce hundreds of cruise missiles capable of hitting countries The Arab Gulf states, using the same Chinese components. Washington has repeatedly passed this information to Beijing since September, including detailed lists of Chinese companies involved in this weapons system.