Houthis Attack Chinese Ship Despite Deal Not To

Houthi rebels launched a series of anti-ship ballistic missiles at a Chinese-owned and -operated oil tanker, according to the U.S. Central Command, in a move that has angered Beijing.

"From 2:50 to 4:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) March 23, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) into the Red Sea in the vicinity of M/V Huang Pu, a Panamanian-flagged, Chinese-owned, Chinese-operated oil tanker," the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday.

This attack came despite the Houthis' previous assurances "they would not attack Chinese vessels" in the strategic waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," CENTCOM said.

Beijing has publicly stated that it disapproves of disruptions to international shipping and is more generally concerned with maritime security. However, it has not openly condemned the Houthis, who have launched repeated drone and anti-ship ballistic missile strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have attacked commercial vessels in the Red Sea linked to Israel, the U.S., and the U.K. in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas fighting in the Gaza Strip. Hamas' attack on October 7 has linked the Red Sea shipping crisis to the ensuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"China has always opposed attacks on civilian ships and advocates maintaining the safety of waterways in the Red Sea waters in accordance with international law," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a daily press briefing on Monday.

"At the same time, China believes that the international community should quell the war in Gaza as soon as possible and create necessary conditions to cool down the situation in the Red Sea. China will continue to play a constructive role and make efforts to restore peace and tranquility in the Red Sea at an early date," Lin added.

The attack, which took place on Saturday, involved five missiles targeting the MV Huang Pu, a vessel flying under a Panamanian flag, according to Central Command.

"At 4:25 p.m. (Sanaa time), a fifth ballistic missile was detected as fired toward M/V Huang Pu. The ship issued a distress call but did not request assistance. M/V Huang Pu suffered minimal damage, and a fire on board was extinguished within 30 minutes," Central Command added in a statement on X.

Following discussions involving Houthi political figures and diplomats from China and Russia in Oman, the militant group had agreed not to attack ships from these countries.

"China and Russia reached an understanding following talks between their diplomats in Oman and Mohammed Abdel Salam, one of the Houthis' top political figures," Bloomberg reported, citing sources.