China Urges Houthis to Cease Red Sea Attacks

China has called on the Houthi group to halt their attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need to reduce the conflict in the Gaza Strip to alleviate the escalation in the Red Sea.

In a statement made to the "Yemen in International Media" program by the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, Zhao Cheng, the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in Yemen, highlighted that these attacks have increased the shipping and insurance costs for Chinese exports, placing an additional burden on Chinese producers.

Cheng noted that while most Chinese ships have not been directly affected by the attacks due to rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, there have been two incidents where Chinese vessels were attacked after being mistaken for ships from other countries.

Cheng stressed the importance of protecting Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, referencing China's opposition to the offensive operations conducted by the United States and the United Kingdom on Houthi positions in Yemen in retaliation for attacks on Red Sea vessels.

He stated that no country should use UN resolutions as a pretext for violence and strikes.

He urged for the cessation of conflict following the recent Israeli attacks on the port of Hodeidah, noting that further escalation would negatively impact the daily lives and livelihoods of Yemenis.

Cheng also mentioned that China maintains communication and dialogues with all Yemeni parties, including the Houthis, urging them to abandon military options and return to the negotiating table to reach a political settlement as soon as possible.

Furthermore, Cheng welcomed the agreement announced by the UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, which includes the Yemeni government and the Houthis retracting decisions affecting banks and Yemen Airways. 

Cheng commented that this is a positive step towards ending the war and economic conflicts.