China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, has called on all parties to ease tensions in the Red Sea region and pursue a political resolution to the ongoing crisis in Yemen.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, Sun expressed concern over the volatile situation in the Red Sea, highlighting the risks posed to regional stability and international shipping lanes.
“We hope all parties will take this as an opportunity to cool down the situation at an early date,” Sun said. He emphasized the importance of restraint and urged all involved to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions further.
Sun also underscored the need for a political solution to the crisis in Yemen, which has been engulfed in conflict for years, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. “We call on all parties in Yemen to show determination and willingness, resume contact and communication, resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, and promote a comprehensive political process that is Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned,” he stated.
On the humanitarian front, Sun expressed deep concern over deteriorating conditions in Yemen, which faces challenges like insufficient funding and security risks. He called for greater support from the international community to address the urgent needs of the Yemeni people.
Linking the situation in Yemen to broader regional tensions, Sun noted, “Recently, in disregard of the strong opposition of the international community, Israel has resumed fighting in Gaza and imposed continued blockade on Gaza, posing additional challenges to the security and stability of the region.”
He urged the international community to prioritize achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza to deescalate regional tensions and restore peace and stability in places like Yemen and the Red Sea.
China’s call for calm and political dialogue reflects its support for regional countries in advancing the peace process and its backing of continued efforts by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg.
