As tensions rose again in Yemen and the Red Sea, China called on the Houthis and other parties in the region to exercise restraint and urged that disputes be resolved through political and diplomatic means.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press conference in Beijing on Monday that the latest escalation was concerning because innocent civilians had lost their lives and energy facilities and other civilian infrastructure had been damaged.
Guo said attacks on civilian infrastructure that directly affects people’s livelihoods were unacceptable. The Chinese spokesperson said instability in the region served no party’s interests and stressed that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be respected.
Emphasizing that political and diplomatic channels should be used to resolve disputes, Guo called on the parties concerned to reduce tensions through communication and dialogue. Guo also urged the parties to begin efforts to ease tensions as soon as possible.
At least 73 civilians injured in Saudi Arabia
The Iran-backed Houthis have recently increased attacks targeting cities and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said at least 73 civilians were injured in the latest attacks.
Concerns have grown that the conflict could once again escalate into a full-scale war after a relatively calm period observed in Yemen since April 2022. Yemen has been affected by war for nearly 12 years since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
Attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea
The Houthis have also carried out attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia, the leading external actor supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, announced in July that it had launched a mission to form an international maritime alliance.
