China on Monday expressed its concern about the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, and called on the Houthis to recognize the navigation rights in the Red Sea for commercial ships from all countries, and to immediately stop any related attacks.

At a UN Security Council session on Yemen, Geng Shuang, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, highlighted the complex and difficult situation in Yemen, saying that "all parties concerned should adhere to the general direction of a political settlement," stressing the need For a political process led by Yemen.

Geng called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and cooperate with the aim of "creating a favorable atmosphere for the political process."

"We call on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that would escalate tensions," Geng said, stressing the importance of safe navigation and an immediate cessation of hostilities affecting commercial shipping.

Moreover, Geng reiterated China's own position that "the Security Council has never authorized any country to use force against Yemen," warning against the misuse of international law and UN Security Council resolutions by any country.

Regarding the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Geng pointed to the miserable conditions resulting from the nine-year conflict, which has destroyed vital infrastructure and pushed more than 80 percent of the population into poverty, continuing by saying, “More than 4.5 million school-age children are no longer able to Enrollment in schools,” calling on the international community to “increase investment in humanitarian and development efforts in Yemen.”

The delegate linked the tensions in the Red Sea to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, criticizing the continuation of hostilities despite the explicit call of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2728 for a ceasefire.

“Israel must fulfill, in good faith, its obligations as a member of the United Nations,” Geng said, calling on Israel to stop its military attacks on Gaza and its collective punishment of the Palestinians.

In conclusion, Geng expressed China's support for further action by the Security Council in response to developments on the ground, and stressed the global importance of stability in the region.