Chinese Satellites Allegedly Aiding Attacks On US Warships, Commercial Ships In Red Sea

A growing body of evidence suggests a Chinese satellite company is providing imagery to Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, helping them target commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

A recent post by open-source intelligence analyst @detresfa_ shows satellite coverage by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. (CGSTL) overlaid with known Houthi attack locations since December 2023. The map reveals a clear overlap between CGSTL’s satellite activity and maritime strike zones, raising new concerns about China’s meddling in the Red Sea crisis.

Growing Threat to Global Trade

Since October 2023, the Houthis — officially designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government — have attacked more than 60 ships in the Red Sea, claiming to support Hamas amid Israel’s war in Gaza. These strikes have disrupted key shipping routes, including the Suez Canal, forcing vessels to reroute thousands of miles around Africa. In response, the U.S. and allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, deploying naval assets and airpower to deter further aggression.

Military Links Behind the Imagery

According to the Financial Times, U.S. officials have confirmed that CGSTL maintains close ties to the Chinese military. The company’s Jilin-1 satellite constellation, capable of high-resolution imaging, has civilian and military applications — a hallmark of China’s dual-use approach to space. The involvement of such a company in conflict zones suggests a deeper level of coordination between Beijing’s strategic goals and its commercial space assets:

“The United States has raised our concerns privately numerous times to the Chinese government on Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co Ltd’s role in supporting the Houthis in order to get Beijing to take action,” said a senior state department official.

The official added the Asian country had “ignored” the concerns. He also told the Financial Times that the company’s actions and “Beijing’s tacit support” despite Washington’s warnings were “yet another example of China’s empty claims to support peace.”

“We urge our partners to judge the Chinese Communist party and Chinese companies on their actions, not their empty words,” the official said.

Tammy Bruce, the state department’s spokesperson, confirmed CGSTL was “directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on US interests.”

“The U.S. will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organisations such as the Houthis,” Bruce added.

The stunning accusations run directly counter to China’s public diplomacy efforts, which position Beijing as a neutral peacemaker. Of course, the data pipeline flowing from Chinese satellites to Iranian-backed terror groups paints a very different picture.

China’s Expanding Space Arsenal

China’s satellite programs have grown rapidly in both scale and capability. Under the supervision of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing operates:

Communication satellites for civilian and military use.

Remote sensing satellites (e.g., Jilin-1) used for surveillance and targeting.

BeiDou navigation satellites, a global GPS alternative with military-grade precision.

Anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities, raising concerns about its ability to target U.S. satellites in higher orbits, such as those used for GPS and military communications.

This potential technological edge, combined with growing military cooperation between China and Iran, is enabling third-party actors like the Houthis to punch above their weight in regional conflicts.

Strategic Implications

The suspected use of Chinese satellite intelligence by the Houthis marks a significant escalation in Beijing’s gray zone approach to modern warfare. It shows how state-backed commercial tech is being weaponized to challenge U.S. and allied interests without direct confrontation.

As the U.S. Navy continues efforts to secure Red Sea routes, questions remain about how far China is willing to go in supporting groups that destabilize global commerce — and what the West, led by President Trump, is prepared to do about it.

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