The Iran-backed Houthis fired upon and struck a Chinese vessel in the Red Sea on Saturday, marking the first time that the Houthis have targeted Chinese property. While vessels even distantly connected to the U.S. and Israel have found the area inhospitable in the extreme, it appeared that China, Iran, and the Houthis had an agreement of sorts. Whether Saturday’s strike was an intentional one or the result of old intel is unknown, as the Chinese vessel had only been obtained in February and may have been targeted because of its past affiliations rather than its current one.
Heather Mongilio reports for USNI News:
The Houthis launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles at a Chinese-owned and operated oil tanker, U.S. Central Command announced on Saturday.
One of the missiles hit MV Huang Pu, which sails under a Panamanian flag of convenience, according to the Central Command release. The ship sent out a distress call, but it did not request assistance. The ship had minimal damage and extinguished a small onboard fire.
There were no casualties, according to the release.
The ship is owned by a Chinese company, according to the release. The Houthis previously said they would not attack any Chinese ships. It is possible it was a case of old information, as the South China Morning Post reported that the ship’s registered owner changed in February 2024.
The Houthis, whose spokespeople usually announce strikes on ships on social media site X, have not said anything about the attack on Huang Pu.
The People’s Republic of China government have not made any statements about the attack.
With missiles over Poland, terror attacks in Russia, and Houthis firing on anything that plies the waves, there’s a whole lot happening and none of it good if stability is what one desires.
Also, may Aviation Machinist Mate Oriola Michael Aregbesola of HSM-74 rest in peace. The USS Mason, which has been on station in the Red Sea, lost Aregbesola in heavy seas. . . . There are costs to forward deployments, especially those that expose our sailors to combat near daily.