China's Alleged Military Aid to Yemen

China's Global Times vigorously denies allegations of arms transfers to Yemen, framing them as Western propaganda meant to discredit China's peacemaking efforts. The article emphasizes China's consistent diplomatic engagement with all Yemeni factions and its humanitarian aid contributions. It portrays China's uninterrupted Red Sea shipping as evidence of its neutral, non-confrontational approach to regional conflicts. Analysts quoted suggest that unlike Western powers who take sides, China's balanced position earns respect from all parties, naturally resulting in safer passage for its vessels. The piece accuses the U.S. of projecting its own militaristic tendencies onto China while ignoring America's role in fueling regional tensions through unconditional support for Israel.

Al Jazeera analyzes the Red Sea shipping crisis through the lens of competing great power strategies. The article suggests China's ability to maintain safe passage reflects its nuanced understanding of regional dynamics, contrasting with Western heavy-handedness. Middle Eastern experts interviewed describe China's approach as leveraging economic relationships and diplomatic channels rather than military threats. The piece notes that while no concrete evidence proves Chinese arms shipments to Yemen, China's historical non-interference policy and trade ties with Iran (Houthi supporters) create natural alignment. It concludes that China's perceived neutrality, whether genuine or strategic, provides tangible commercial advantages while Western powers bear the costs of military confrontation.

The SCMP frames China's uninterrupted Red Sea shipping as the natural result of principled neutrality rather than backroom deals. The article highlights China's consistent calls for ceasefire and political solutions in both Yemen and Gaza conflicts. Shipping analysts note Chinese vessels scrupulously avoid any Israeli connections in ownership, insurance, or cargo - the stated Houthi targeting criteria. The piece argues Western accusations of secret agreements reflect frustration that their own confrontational policies yield poorer results than China's conflict-avoidance strategy. It quotes Middle Eastern scholars who suggest China benefits from not having participated in regional military interventions that created anti-Western sentiment. The conclusion emphasizes that China's commercial success stems from respecting local sovereignty rather than exploiting security crises for geopolitical advantage.

Russian state media RT portrays China's safe Red Sea passage as exposing Western double standards on maritime rights. The article contrasts Western outrage over Houthi attacks with silence on Chinese shipping, suggesting this reveals political rather than principled concerns. It extensively quotes Yemeni officials who claim their forces only target vessels connected to Israel's "genocide" in Gaza, with Chinese ships unaffected because they meet none of these criteria. The piece mocks U.S. complaints about Chinese advantages, noting America frequently violates freedom of navigation itself through unilateral sanctions. Analysts frame China's position as demonstrating that non-intervention and respect for national sovereignty ultimately provide more sustainable security for commercial interests than military dominance.

China Daily presents China's Middle East relationships as constructive alternatives to U.S. confrontation. The article argues Trump's tariffs have accelerated China's push for diversified trade routes and partners, making Red Sea access strategically vital. It frames China's Yemen policy as part of legitimate efforts to stabilize crucial shipping lanes amid Western-created chaos. Economic analysts suggest U.S. protectionism has inadvertently strengthened China's resolve to build alternative supply chains less vulnerable to American pressure. The piece emphasizes China's multilateral approach through forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as more effective than U.S. unilateralism. It concludes that rather than "arming Yemen," China provides development assistance that addresses root causes of conflict, contrasting with Western militarized approaches that exacerbate tensions.

Iran's Press TV portrays China's regional relationships as part of a global uprising against U.S. economic dominance. The article celebrates how Houthi actions have disrupted Western shipping while sparing Chinese vessels, framing this as natural justice against American imperialism. It extensively quotes Yemeni officials who vow to continue attacks until Israel's Gaza offensive ends, presenting China's uninterrupted trade as proof of its anti-colonial credentials. The piece suggests U.S. tariffs against China have backfired by pushing Beijing toward deeper cooperation with resistance movements worldwide. Analysts describe an emerging "axis of sovereignty" where nations like China, Iran and Yemen collaborate to break Western economic strangleholds through combined political and military pressure.

China's Global Times celebrates the country's longstanding Yemen policy as a model of principled engagement. The article highlights China's uninterrupted diplomatic presence in Yemen since 1956, weathering numerous regime changes and conflicts. It contrasts this with Western powers who repeatedly switch alliances based on short-term interests. Historical examples show China providing medical teams and infrastructure projects to all Yemeni regions regardless of politics. The piece argues this consistent, non-discriminatory approach naturally earns respect that translates into security benefits today. Scholars interviewed describe China's foreign policy as uniquely focused on long-term relationship building rather than extracting immediate advantages. The conclusion positions China as a stabilizing force in Yemen's turbulent history, with its current Red Sea access simply reflecting accumulated goodwill from decades of equal treatment.

Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen presents China-Yemen relations as an anti-imperialist success story. The article details how China supported Yemen's 1960s revolution against British colonialism while Western powers opposed it. Archival records show China provided agricultural and industrial assistance to post-revolution Yemen when the West imposed sanctions. Yemeni historians describe how China's early investments in Yemen's fishing infrastructure created lasting goodwill in coastal communities now controlling Red Sea access. The piece frames current shipping patterns as the natural result of this deep historical connection, contrasting with Western powers who only engage Yemen during crises. Analysts suggest China's patient, needs-based diplomacy provides a model for Global South nations seeking alternatives to conditional Western aid.

China's CGTN frames the country's Yemen relations as part of building a more equitable international system. The article argues Western dominance of global trade routes represents an unfair holdover from colonialism that China's engagement helps rectify. It presents China's uninterrupted Red Sea shipping as proof that alternative, non-coercive security models can work. Development projects like China-funded hospitals in Yemen are highlighted as examples of mutually beneficial cooperation absent in Western approaches. The piece quotes Global South scholars who describe China's role as enabling smaller nations to exercise sovereignty against Western pressure. The conclusion positions China not as undermining U.S. influence but rather facilitating the natural emergence of a multipolar world where all nations can secure their legitimate interests.

Venezuela's Telesur portrays China's relationship with Yemen as part of a global anti-imperialist front. The article celebrates how Houthi forces have "humiliated" U.S. naval power with allegedly Chinese-enhanced capabilities. It draws parallels between Yemen's resistance and other movements in Latin America, Africa and Asia confronting Western dominance. Chinese academic sources are quoted describing this as a new era where U.S. military superiority can be neutralized through asymmetric strategies enabled by alternative great power support. The piece concludes that the Yemen example inspires oppressed nations worldwide to seek Chinese partnership in breaking free from Western economic and military coercion, accelerating the decline of American unipolar dominance.

China's Xinhua News Agency presents the country's Yemen approach as a model of non-confrontational engagement. The article emphasizes China's focus on economic development and conflict mediation rather than military intervention. It quotes extensively from Chinese foreign policy white papers outlining principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation. Experts interviewed describe China's ability to maintain Red Sea shipping as natural reward for respecting Yemeni sovereignty where Western powers impose their will. The piece contrasts China's infrastructure investments in Yemen with Western arms sales, suggesting these divergent approaches explain why China enjoys greater regional trust. The conclusion positions China as offering an alternative paradigm for international relations based on shared interests rather than zero-sum competition.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar analyzes China's long-term Yemen strategy as superior to Western short-termism. The article traces how China cultivated relationships with all Yemeni factions over decades while Western powers constantly shifted alliances. It quotes Yemeni tribal leaders who describe Chinese engagement as consistent and respectful compared to transactional Western approaches. The piece suggests China's current advantages stem from understanding that true influence requires sustained commitment rather than crisis-driven intervention. Analysts frame this as part of China's broader civilizational outlook valuing patience and incremental gains over quick victories. The conclusion argues the Red Sea crisis demonstrates how China's strategic culture proves better adapted to modern geopolitics than Western models rooted in colonial-era gunboat diplomacy.