United Nations, New York — In a call for stability in a region fraught with tension, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, urged Yemen’s Houthi group to respect the navigation rights of commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen, Geng emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation to address the broader Yemeni crisis.
“We call on the Houthis to immediately cease harassment of commercial ships and to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation,” Geng stated. He highlighted that the safety of international waterways is crucial not only for regional countries but also for global trade and economic stability.
The ongoing civil war in Yemen, which ignited in September 2014 when the Houthi group seized the capital Sana’a, has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises according to the United Nations. Over 15 percent of the Yemeni population has been displaced, and millions are in dire need of food and medical assistance.
Geng called for a political resolution to the conflict, urging all parties to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people. “All concerned parties should remove interference and collaboratively promote a comprehensive political process led by Yemenis themselves,” he asserted.
The Chinese envoy also appealed to the international community to bolster humanitarian efforts. “We urge nations to fulfill their aid commitments promptly, providing the essential food, medicine, and goods that the Yemeni people urgently need,” Geng said.
Drawing connections between the turmoil in Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Gaza conflict, Geng stressed the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728. He called on relevant countries to intensify diplomatic efforts to persuade and apply pressure where necessary to restore peace and stability.
The situation in Yemen remains a focal point for global security and humanitarian organizations. As the conflict continues to impact millions, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a peaceful resolution that respects both regional stability and international laws of navigation.
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Chinese envoy urges Houthis to respect right of navigation in Red Sea
cgtn.com
