A member of the Houthi security forces stands in front of a poster showing a missile named "Palestine" during a rally in support of Iran and Lebanon, on April 17, 2026, in Sanaa, Yemen. (Credit: Mohammad Huwais/AFP)
Condemning bombings and calling for de-escalation have become China’s routine responses to armed confrontations in the Middle East in recent months. The latest Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport were no exception. Yet the precision and lethality of the projectiles used by the pro-Iranian Yemeni rebels could be attributable to China. Beijing is suspected of supplying components needed for their missile production, putting it in a delicate position: Saudi Arabia is one of its main energy suppliers and a key partner in its regional policy. The kingdom has reportedly asked its Asian partner for explanations, suggesting that it expects more than condemnation.An arms embargo floutedChinese companies are reportedly behind a significant share of shipments seized en route to the Houthis, who are subject to an international arms embargo. Most...
Condemning bombings and calling for de-escalation have become China’s routine responses to armed confrontations in the Middle East in recent months. The latest Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport were no exception. Yet the precision and lethality of the projectiles used by the pro-Iranian Yemeni rebels could be attributable to China. Beijing is suspected of supplying components needed for their missile production, putting it in a delicate position: Saudi Arabia is one of its main energy suppliers and a key partner in its regional policy. The kingdom has reportedly asked its Asian partner for explanations, suggesting that it expects more than condemnation.An arms embargo floutedChinese companies are reportedly behind a significant share of shipments seized en route to the Houthis, who are subject to an international arms embargo. Most...
