Red Sea, Red Flags

By Savannah Hamilton

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed here are those of the authors. View more opinion on ScoonTV

Is China quietly backing the Houthis — or just outplaying everyone else?

The Houthis are back — more armed, more accurate, and somehow stronger than ever.
Their secret weapon?

It just might be “Made in China.”

In recent months, Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships have escalated, disrupting global trade and dominating international headlines.

The group claims it’s targeting those who support Israel, but eagle-eyed observers noticed something rather peculiar — while Western vessels are taking all the hits, Chinese ships seem to pass through without a single scratch.

So, what gives?

According to recent US allegations, China may be quietly lending a hand to the rebel group, and not just with weapons. Intelligence officials claim Beijing is providing satellite data as well. As a result, some are even calling this a proxy war in the making.

Makes sense. With US–China tensions already running hot amid the ongoing tariff turmoil, this could be a petty revenge move from the Far East.

But could there be more to this story?

Whispers from behind the political curtain suggest “yes,” and analysts argue that China isn’t just playing defense or looking for short-term gains.

Instead, it may be playing the long game, hoping to secure a role as a diplomatic heavyweight, and perhaps eventually, replace the US as the Middle East’s (and possibly the world’s) top chief.

Far-fetched? Maybe, but not impossible.

The Smoking Gun

On April 17, 2025, the US State Department finally confirmed what many had long suspected, that a Chinese satellite firm — Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. — has been providing surveillance support to the Houthis, allowing Houthi missiles to hit US Navy vessels and other commercial ships with striking precision.

While Chang Guang may have “private” status on paper, it’s been tied to the Chinese military and other scandalous affairs. For example, two years ago, it was sanctioned for sending high-resolution imagery to Russia’s Wagner Group.

As for China’s official response to these statements?

A diplomatic shrug. “Not aware of the situation,” said the Foreign Ministry, which is diplomatic speak for “we’re not going to talk about it.”

Silence, in this case, says a lot.

How Deep Does This Rabbit Hole Go?

According to US intelligence, the Houthi–China relationship didn’t start with swapping satellite imagery. Since late 2023, the group has reportedly been setting up a supply chain of advanced missile components — all done thanks to sketchy shell companies and barely-legal export loopholes.

These aren’t labeled “weapons,” of course. They’re “dual-use” goods — tech meant for civilian use but suspiciously perfect for missile guidance.

In other words, think missile guidance systems dressed up as fancy factory equipment.

Again, Washington has reportedly pressed Beijing for answers, citing company names and transaction records linking Chinese firms to this arms pipeline. But their response? The usual — radio silence.

And it’s not an isolated case.

The Bigger Picture

Back in October 2024, the US sanctioned two Chinese companies — Shenzhen Rion Technology and Shenzhen Jinghon Electronics — for shipping hundreds of missile-guidance parts to the Houthis.

That same tech? It’s also been found in Russian and North Korean hands, hinting at a much broader network in play.

But wait, there’s more!

Multiple reports also suggest Houthi leaders have made several trips to China over the past two years, and it wasn’t for sightseeing. According to Israeli outlet i24 News, the deal was simple: China supplies the goods, and the Houthis keep Chinese ships out of the crossfire.

That agreement seems to be holding, so far.

Why Does China Care?

Historically, Iran has been the Houthis’ ride-or-die — funding, arming, and allegedly using them as regional proxies.

China, though? Their role is more complicated.

For them, this isn’t about ideology. China isn’t anti-Israel, anti-Saudi, or even exactly anti-West. It is, however, very much interested in leverage.

By quietly backing the Houthis, China gains puppeteer-level influence in one of the world’s most crucial shipping corridors. The Red Sea is a lifeline for oil and commercial goods — now imagine them having a say in who gets through and who doesn’t.

If that’s not power, what is?

Plus, it ties neatly into China’s pet project — the Belt and Road Initiative. Controlling trade routes through the Middle East and Africa gives Beijing unprecedented privilege in keeping its trade business flowing, while the rest of the world gets hit with delays, rerouting, and increased costs.

And let’s not forget that China is Iran’s biggest oil customer, where it gets barrels of the black gold at a steep discount. So, supporting Iran’s allies isn’t just geopolitically savvy. It’s great for business.

A Balancing Act

Here’s where it gets even more interesting.

While China is allegedly supplying Iran’s proxies in Yemen, it’s also cozying up to Saudi Arabia — the very country the Houthis have spent years bickering with.

Between 2021 and 2024, China poured more than $21 billion into Saudi infrastructure, tech, and green energy. One of the flagship projects is the expansion of the Yasref petrochemical complex on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Oh, and 2025 has been officially dubbed the “China–Saudi Year of Culture.”

So, China gets to strengthen trade with Riyadh while keeping Iran and its allies just as close.

It’s playing both sides — and somehow pulling it off.

It’s All Calculated Chaos

Now, publicly, China hasn’t endorsed the Houthis — and it doesn’t need to.

This is their classic move of “strategic ambiguity.” That is… stay neutral on the record while quietly doing business behind closed doors.

And anyway, the Houthis aren’t the endgame here. They’re simply a tool.

By engaging in quiet diplomacy and shadowy supply deals, China positions itself as a serious player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Influence over one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes gives it a say in everything from oil prices to political alignments.

By quietly playing diplomat in the Red Sea, China gets something far more valuable than another regional ally. They also gain a good reputation that can only improve their standing on the world stage.

All while making America look bad without even trying.

All at a Time When US Optics Are Messy at Best

It doesn’t help that the US is currently struggling with its PR.

There’s already plenty of controversy over how Washington’s burning millions to shoot down $2,000 drones, while China’s sitting in the back, taking notes, and treating the whole thing like a live demo.

(By the way, some suspect Beijing is using the chaos to do a real-time assessment of US defense capabilities and learn a thing or two — valuable intel if things ever get serious with, say… Taiwan, for example.)

And the whole SignalGate mess? Definitely didn’t help America’s image. Neither did the White House casually posting graphic airstrike videos on social media.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is doing his best to revive the American image. Last week, he proudly announced a ceasefire deal with the Houthis to stop attacks on US ships, claiming they “capitulated.”

But the Houthis, offended, quickly rejected that narrative and then reminded everyone that the truce didn’t cover Israel by shooting off fresh missiles at Tel Aviv just days later.

Also, while Trump tried to frame it as a White House win, it was actually Oman that brokered the peace deal. They’ve long been the key middleman — first between the US and Iran, and now the US and the Houthis too.

Still, attacks on US ships have paused, which is something. But it’s left many wondering whether America’s influence in the region is starting to fade.

And Europe? Watching all this very closely.

Eyes on the Prize

With US–EU tensions rising over tariffs, tech restrictions, and foreign policy drama, China’s calm, no-fuss approach is starting to look… refreshingly sane and appealing as a new go-to ally.

While the US scrambles, China cruises — literally. Unlike everyone else, their ships sail through the Red Sea unbothered. And if they can keep their vessels safe, who’s to say they can’t negotiate safe passage for Europe’s too?

And what does the US offer in comparison? More criticism and tariffs?

At this rate, Europe might soon start seeing Beijing as the “reasonable adult in the room.” And that should definitely be concerning for Trump.

The Endgame Is Power

So… is China backing the Houthis?

The evidence is there.

While Beijing hasn’t confirmed or denied anything, the fact that they’re moving in the shadows says plenty.

All signs point to a quiet but calculated strategy. That is… lend a helping hand to the Houthis just enough to gain access, undermine rivals, and gain global clout — all while maintaining plausible deniability.

And while the rest of the world is trying to figure out what’s going on, they’re probably already plotting their next move.

If this all ends with Beijing stepping in as the new respected global diplomatic head, the world may be watching the opening scene of a very different kind of global reset.

Curtis Scoon is the founder of ScoonTv.com Download the ScoonTv App to join our weekly livestream every Tuesday @ 8pm EST!