China denies supplying Houthi missile components

SANAA — Shao Zheng, chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Yemen, rejected reports that Chinese companies had supplied equipment and components linked to the Houthi group's missile programmes, according to an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat published on 20 October 2026 and reported by Arab News.

Shao called the allegations baseless. He said Beijing maintains strict controls on exports of dual-use materials and complies with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Shao said China was prepared to receive any information or reports from the Yemeni government on the allegations and to conduct a comprehensive investigation. He said Beijing had told the Yemeni government repeatedly that it was willing to examine any evidence.

Shao also said China was closely monitoring military developments in Yemen. He said Beijing continued to back the internationally recognised Yemeni government, and Yemen's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity. He urged the Houthis to end military action and return to dialogue.

According to Shao, the two countries are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. He said a delegation of about 10 Yemeni government officials is due to visit China later this month.

Background

The Houthi group has been involved in the conflict in Yemen for nearly 12 years, according to Shao. He said China opposes attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and supports freedom of navigation in both waterways.

The report does not identify the companies named in the allegations, and it does not describe the evidence behind them. Arab News' summary of the interview does not say whether the Yemeni government has made the allegations public or provided material to Beijing.