China: Houthi attacks in Red Sea have directly affected the lives of the Yemeni people and must stop immediately

The People's Republic of China has renewed its call for the Iranian-backed Houthis to stop naval attacks targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for more than a year, stressing that these attacks have directly affected the lives of the Yemeni people.

This came in statements made by the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in Yemen, Shao Cheng, during an interview with Yemeni TV, the text of which was republished by the Chinese embassy on its website.

"China calls for an immediate halt to attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea to ensure the safety and normal operation of international industrial and supply chains," Cheng said in response to a question about China's position on piracy and maritime terrorist attacks.

"The Red Sea crisis has caused huge losses to Yemen, especially the obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into Yemen. Due to the Red Sea crisis, the port of Aden and other Yemeni ports have been severely affected, which has increased the transportation and insurance costs for international shipping. In particular, the Red Sea crisis has directly affected the lives of the Yemeni people," he added.

The Chinese diplomat stressed the need for the situation in the Red Sea to return to normal as soon as possible to avoid further escalation of the regional situation.

He continued: "China calls for an end to attacks on ships in the Red Sea because these military actions have global implications. China is a major shipping nation and the world's second-largest economy."

Regarding his country's vision for a solution in the Red Sea, Cheng explained that China believes that to solve the Red Sea issue, we must first solve the conflict in Gaza. Therefore, we call for holding a broader peace conference to solve the Palestinian issue. At the same time, we call for respecting Yemen's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

He stressed that the situation in the Red Sea is a concern for the entire world, so we have always strongly called for an immediate cessation of attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

 On the political level, Cheng reiterated his country's support for the legitimate government and the peace process in Yemen.

The Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in our country stressed the need to avoid military options, and the need for all parties to sit at the negotiating table as soon as possible, and find an appropriate solution to the Yemeni issue.

"China has always worked hard to coordinate between all parties in Yemen... We believe that the time has come for a ceasefire in Yemen," he added.

He explained that the Yemeni issue needs solutions from multiple aspects, noting that his country supports in this context the efforts of the United Nations and its special envoy and coordinates with him in the Security Council, as well as supporting the relevant efforts made by the countries of the region.

He added: "Last year, China actively pushed for the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Last week, the China-Saudi Arabia-Iran Tripartite Joint Committee held its second meeting in Riyadh, where the three parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political settlement of the Yemeni issue under the auspices of the United Nations and in accordance with relevant internationally recognized principles."