China's Military Tech Emerges on Both Sides of Saudi-Houthi War

China's military technology has surfaced on both sides of the Saudi-Houthi war in Yemen, according to recent reports. Images purportedly showing a China-produced short-range ballistic missile, the Dongfeng-15A (DF-15A), allegedly fired by Saudi Arabia against the Houthi movement have circulated online. The Conflict Armament Research (CAR) monitor also reported that the Houthis were attempting to acquire Chinese components for their own version of Iran's Kheibar Shekan medium-range ballistic missile.

Jeffrey Lewis, a lecturer at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, stated that it is certain that both Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are utilizing Chinese technology in their missile programs. However, it is unclear whether the technology is provided solely through Iran or if there is direct Chinese assistance. He emphasized that the failure of the global regime to restrict the spread of missiles is a major setback for international arms control efforts.

Neither Riyadh nor Beijing has confirmed Saudi Arabia's possession or use of the DF-15A, which may mark its debut on the battlefield. Despite this, Saudi Arabia has long maintained secrecy around its missile program. In 1987, Saudi Arabia allegedly acquired DF-3A missiles from China during the Iran-Iraq War, and in 2014, the kingdom reportedly bought more modern DF-21 missiles. Saudi Arabia has also developed its own missile production capacity, with efforts accelerated by the acquisition of solid-fuel missile technology.

China has emerged as the preferred supplier for Saudi Arabia and Turkey due to its status as the only significant supplier besides North Korea. The trend of China-Saudi defense cooperation predates the U.S.-Iran conflict, but Saudi analysts are increasingly advocating for diversification of military supply chains and even nuclear energy endeavors due to concerns over U.S. security commitments and geopolitical threats.