The United States government has confirmed that a Chinese satellite company with military ties is providing targeting support to Houthi militants in Yemen, aiding their attacks on U.S. Navy vessels in the Red Sea.
In a statement released on Monday, the U.S. State Department identified Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. (CGST) as the Chinese firm involved.
CGST is a commercial satellite operator with close connections to the Chinese military and is believed to be supplying satellite imagery and intelligence to the Iran-backed Houthi group.
According to the State Department, the satellite data provided by CGST has been instrumental in helping the Houthis locate and launch precision rocket and drone attacks on American naval assets in the region.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that a Chinese satellite operator is actively supporting hostile actions against U.S. forces,” the department said. “This is a direct threat to maritime security and global trade routes.”
The U.S. government is reportedly considering additional sanctions against CGST, which is already under scrutiny for its military collaborations.
Officials believe the firm’s actions not only jeopardize regional stability but also violate international norms regarding the use of commercial space technologies.
Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea in recent weeks, as Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on commercial and military vessels, prompting retaliatory strikes by U.S. and allied forces.
The Trump administration has vowed to protect international waters and ensure the free flow of commerce through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane linking the Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean.
