Houthis Reportedly Using Chinese Satellite Imagery for Targeting in the Red Sea
According to a recent Financial Times report, Chinese satellite company Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd. (CGSTL) has been supplying Yemen’s Houthi forces with satellite imagery of commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea. U.S. officials told the FT that the Trump administration has raised concerns with Chinese counterparts “on numerous occasions,” making Beijing aware of CGSTL’s involvement. With no meaningful response from China, U.S. officials now believe the Chinese government is at least offering “tacit support” for the satellite firm’s cooperation with the Houthis.

When contacted by the Financial Times, the Chinese embassy in Washington claimed no knowledge of the matter.

While any satellite firm operating in China is inherently linked to the government, CGSTL’s extensive connections with both provincial authorities and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are well documented. A quick look at the company’s website reveals photos with government officials and services with titles such as “Research on Decision-Making Assistance…,” indicating broader state cooperation.

This comes amid a pattern of Chinese-made missile components, drone parts, and other military equipment previously intercepted en route to Houthi-held regions in Yemen.