SANAA – Yemeni government seeks Beijings cooperation over suspected dual-use technology, as report points to missile components allegedly linked to Chinese suppliers. Yemeni government shared sensitive issue with China over allegations that Chinese-made technology and equipment may have been used by Houthi rebels to manufacture weapons, including advanced ballistic missiles.
Yemeni Foreign Minister Al-Zouba said the two countries discussed concerns related to products designed for civilian applications that can also be repurposed for military use. Al-Zouba said Chinese officials expressed their willingness to receive information to help investigate allegations concerning the use of Chinese technology in Houthi weapons production.
The development puts spotlight on the possible role of international supply chains in Yemen’s protracted conflict, particularly as concerns grow over the Houthis’ alleged efforts to develop increasingly sophisticated missile capabilities.
A report by Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an organisation that investigates and traces weapons used in conflict zones, previously claimed that the Houthis were attempting to develop advanced medium-range ballistic missiles. The report further suggested that the group was allegedly obtaining components from sources beyond supply networks linked to Iran, potentially broadening the range of channels through which it acquires weapons-related technology.
According to the report, shipping documents associated with certain missile components reportedly identified a Chinese supplier, raising questions about the possible origins and supply routes of equipment that could have military applications. However, the presence of a supplier’s name in shipping documents does not establish that the supplier knowingly provided equipment for weapons production or violated any laws.
Despite serious nature of the claims, key questions remain unanswered. Reports said it could not independently verify the allegations, while details of any official Chinese response to these specific claims were not available in the report.
Al-Zouba’s remarks indicate that Yemen is seeking cooperation from Beijing rather than publicly declaring the allegations proven. China’s willingness to receive information for an investigation could provide a channel for examining the origins and potential uses of the components in question.
The allegations emerge amid Yemen’s long-running conflict between internationally recognised government and the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Saudi Arabia remains a key ally of the Yemeni government.
Any substantiated evidence that foreign-sourced dual-use technology is contributing to the Houthis’ weapons development could raise broader concerns about the monitoring of international trade, the tracing of sensitive components and the enforcement of restrictions on military-related supplies.
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