Why Houthis wouldn't touch Chinese ships traversing through the Red Sea

Houthis continue to target US, British and Israeli-linked ships across the Red Sea, one of the most vital maritime corridors, causing huge economic and political pressure on Western powers. But, China enjoys preferential treatment in these high-conflict corridors with Houthis not touching Chinese vessels.

Maritime data shows that Chinese ships receive special treatment in a conflict zone, thanks to Beijing's arrangement with the Yemeni militant group, according to a piece published by US think tank Atlantic Council.

So much so that the proportion of China-linked tonnage has surged through the Red Sea even when the overall shipping traffic through the route has plunged by nearly 70 per cent since the attacks began.

Houthi leaders, including Mohamed Ali al-Houthi of the Supreme Political Council, recently held talks with Chinese officials in Oman, wherein it was guaranteed that the militants would not touch Chinese ships. This was revealed in the recent US Treasury sanctions. Besides, China is also said to have provided the technology that helps the Houthis to accurately identify their vessels, after Houthi officials claimed their targeting systems were rudimentary and prone to error, often resulting in mistaken attacks on Chinese ships traversing the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait.

This arrangement which helps Beijing gain more advantage of the vital maritime corridor yields a greater edge than any negotiated trade agreement, according to the think tank report. The European shipping firms are now forced to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope due to the Houthi threats, which has created an "artificial competitive advantage" for Chinese goods, which continue to flow unimpeded through the Red Sea corridor. This, the report claims, is a huge economic victory for Beijing.

Chinese aid to Houthis

The US sanctions against Chinese satellite and shipping firms have revealed that China is providing technological and logistical support to Houthis. Chinese companies, including Shenzhen Boyu Imports and Exports among others, are supplying dual-use components that bolster the Houthis’ missile and UAV capabilities. A Chinese satellite company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd, was also sanctioned for providing satellite imagery to Yemen’s Houthis that enabled precise strikes on US naval assets in the Red Sea. 

According to the report, Beijing's engagement with Houthis reflects its two-track approach wherein it doesn't want Houthi forces to either triumph completely or collapse. It needs them to be active and disruptive, just enough to keep US naval resources tied up while Chinese ships sail through relatively unimpeded.