The US State Department has accused a Chinese firm, Chang Guang Satellite Technology, of directly supporting attacks on US interests by Iran-backed Houthi fighters and called this "unacceptable".

Earlier, the Financial Times cited US officials as saying that the satellite company, linked to China's military, was supplying Houthi rebels with imagery to target US warships and international vessels in the Red Sea.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce at a regular news briefing, said:

"We can confirm the reporting that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on US interests."

"China consistently attempts ... to frame itself as a global peacemaker ... however, it is clear that Beijing and China-based companies provide key economic and technical support to regimes like Russia, North Korea and Iran and its proxies," she said.

Bruce said the assistance by the firm to the Houthis had continued even though the United States had engaged with Beijing on the issue.

"The fact that they continue to do this is unacceptable," she said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, responding to a question about the allegation, said: 

“I am not familiar with the situation you mentioned." 

However, he insisted China is seen as urging countries “to make more efforts conducive to regional peace and stability.”

“Since the escalations in the Red Sea situation, China has been playing a positive role in de-escalating the situation,” Lin said. 

“Who is promoting talks for peace and de-escalating the tensions, and who is imposing sanctions and pressure?”

Chang Guang did not respond to request for comment. The US Treasury sanctioned the company in 2023 for allegedly providing satellite images to the Russian mercenary force the Wagner Group as it fought in Ukraine.

It remains unclear whether Chang Guang is linked to the Chinese government. 

The US government has used images taken by American commercial satellite companies to share with allies, like Ukraine, to avoid releasing its own top-secret pictures.

China is Washington's main strategic rival and the latest charge comes as the two economic and military superpowers are in a major standoff over trade in which US President Donald Trump has dramatically ramped up tariffs on Chinese goods.