Yemeni Government Discusses with Beijing Use of Chinese Technology in Houthi Weapons

The Yemeni government held talks with Beijing over reports indicating that the Houthis are seeking to use Chinese technology to manufacture weapons, according to Yemen's Foreign Minister on Wednesday, as the years-long conflict between the parties escalates.

Minister Afrah Al-Zubaidi, responding to a question from AFP about reports that the Iran-backed Houthis are seeking Chinese components to help manufacture weapons, said: "The Chinese are partners, and we have discussed with them, as you know, the issue of dual-use products."

She added, "They were very keen to obtain any information so they could investigate it. Their support for the Yemeni government is clear."

The minister's remarks came during a press conference held remotely to discuss the war in Yemen.

These statements also follow a recent report by the Conflict Armament Research center, which stated that the Houthis were seeking to produce advanced medium-range ballistic missiles.

The report also indicated that they were seeking to expand "supply chains beyond networks linked to Iran."