At a pivotal United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday, China's Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang called for unified international action to safeguard vital Red Sea shipping lanes and advance political solutions to Yemen's protracted crisis. The appeal comes amid escalating regional tensions fueled by recent clashes between Israel and Yemen's Houthi forces.
Geng highlighted three critical challenges: Yemen's political stalemate, deteriorating security conditions, and worsening humanitarian situation. "The Red Sea serves as a global trade artery," he stated, emphasizing that instability directly impacts international supply chains and energy security.
The Chinese envoy proposed a three-point framework for progress: intensified diplomatic engagement through UN channels, enhanced humanitarian assistance coordination, and multilateral cooperation to protect maritime security. This stance aligns with China's broader advocacy for conflict resolution through dialogue in Middle Eastern affairs.
Analysts suggest the remarks reflect growing concerns about regional spillover effects from the Yemen conflict, particularly following recent attacks on commercial shipping. Over 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea annually, including 30% of containerized cargo.
