Chinese Envoy at UN Rebuts US Claims, Defends China's "Prudent" Arms Export Policy

Nov 7, 2025 at 03:25 PM

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Lanka Leader

A Chinese envoy forcefully rebutted U.S. allegations regarding the origin of weapons components in Yemen, asserting that China maintains a "prudent and responsible" policy on the export of military products.

The remarks from Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei came during a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Wednesday, which featured a briefing on Yemen from the chair of the Yemen Sanctions Committee.

The meeting addressed a letter from a panel of experts on Yemen that reportedly contained claims from the U.S. representative. The U.S. alleged that certain "dual-use" components, which had made their way into Yemen and were allegedly used by the Houthi armed group in its weapons program, originated from China.

In a strong response, Sun Lei categorically defended China's export controls. "China has always taken a prudent and responsible attitude toward the export of military products and strictly controls the export of dual-use items, including drones," Sun stated, according to a report by China Central Television (CCTV).

He emphasized that Chinese companies engage in normal international trade, operating in compliance with World Trade Organization rules and market principles. Sun argued that these legitimate business activities "should not be unfairly targeted."

Turning the criticism back on the United States, the Chinese envoy accused Washington of violating international law through its military actions in Yemen. Sun claimed these actions have "caused indelible pain to innocent civilians."

The CCTV report also noted that representatives from several other countries at the meeting underscored that any sanctions imposed on Yemen must not disrupt the flow of critical humanitarian aid and relief operations or harm civilians.