Chinese Envoy Urges Protection of Red Sea Shipping Lanes, Calls for Yemen Peace Efforts
UNITED NATIONS — China has urged the safeguarding of Red Sea shipping routes amid escalating tensions, following Houthi claims last month of sinking two commercial vessels, Magic Seas and Eternity C.
“The shipping lanes in the Red Sea should be kept safe, and the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers, should be protected,” Chinese Deputy UN Ambassador Geng Shuang told the Security Council on Tuesday. He called on the Houthis to halt attacks on commercial vessels and respect navigational rights under international law, while also affirming Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Geng stressed the need to advance the Yemeni peace process, urging both sides to resume dialogue, seek consensus, and work towards reconciliation. He warned of Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis, with nearly half the population facing acute food insecurity, 4.8 million displaced, and women and children among the most vulnerable. He called for increased global humanitarian aid, economic support, and livelihood assistance.
Linking the Yemen crisis to broader regional instability, Geng referenced Sunday’s emergency Security Council meeting on Gaza, noting most members opposed Israel’s takeover plans, ongoing military operations, and the weaponization of aid. He urged immediate action to end the Gaza fighting, ease humanitarian suffering, and reduce tensions across the Middle East.
