The United States has formally accused a Chinese satellite company of supporting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels by providing satellite imagery used to target U.S. and international ships in the Red Sea. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the accusations first reported by the Financial Times, stating that the company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co Ltd (CGSTL), has ties to the Chinese military.

According to Bruce, CGSTL’s support of the Houthis continued despite multiple warnings from Washington. “We urge our partners to judge the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese companies on their actions, not their empty words,” she said. Bruce stressed that the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remains a key priority for President Donald Trump.

“Beijing should take this priority seriously when considering any future support of CGSTL,” she added. “The United States will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organizations such as the Houthis.”

This development follows an increase in U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, as well as the expansion of sanctions targeting both the group and entities linked to its operations. The Trump administration has reinforced its military and economic measures in response to what it calls persistent threats to global maritime trade in the region.

The Red Sea has seen a series of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping routes, raising concerns over international navigation and regional security. The alleged involvement of a Chinese firm in facilitating these attacks is likely to strain U.S.-China relations further, especially amid broader tensions involving trade and global strategic competition.

As Washington works to rally allies in defending international shipping lanes, the Trump administration’s message is clear: support for designated terrorist groups will be met with robust retaliation, regardless of origin or intent.