Barran Press
The Chinese government has called on the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, to respect the navigation rights of all commercial vessels in the Red Sea in accordance with international law.
This call was made by China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jing Shuang, during a UN Security Council session on Yemen, according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
Shuang reiterated China's call for the Houthis to cease harassment and attacks, and to ensure the safety of navigation routes in the Red Sea. He urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Addressing the efforts to reach a political solution in Yemen, Shuang affirmed China's willingness to continue working with the international community on this front. He welcomed the recent agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthis on financial and aviation issues, expressing hope that this would serve as a model for future progress. He emphasized the need for all parties to prioritize the interests and well-being of the Yemeni people by committing to a political solution through dialogue and negotiation.
China also expressed support for the mediation efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and urged all parties, particularly those with influence on the situation in Yemen, to play a constructive role.
Shuang called on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance, accelerate the fulfillment of pledges, and help alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. He also urged the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and the return of related assets held in Yemen.
According to Xinhua, the Chinese diplomat linked the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea to the conflict in Gaza, warning that the slow and difficult process of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza has negative repercussions that exacerbate regional instability.
Regarding the war in Gaza, Shuang urged the "implementation of Security Council Resolutions 2712, 2720, 2728, and 2735" as soon as possible to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to advance de-escalation in the region, including in Yemen and the Red Sea.