China has stepped into the spotlight at the UN, urging calm amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea and pushing for political solutions to Yemen's years-long crisis. 🇨🇳 Speaking at a Security Council briefing, China's Deputy UN Representative Sun Lei stressed the need to avoid actions that could 'inflame' the region—a clear nod to recent U.S.-U.K. airstrikes and Houthi-Israel crossfire.
Ceasefire Momentum & Yemen's Future
Sun welcomed a fragile U.S.-Houthi ceasefire deal brokered by Oman, calling it a 'step toward cooling tensions.' But he doubled down on warnings: 'Sovereignty and security in Yemen must be respected,' he said, while urging the Houthis to halt attacks on commercial ships in critical Red Sea lanes. 🚢⚔️
From Conflict to Reconstruction
The diplomat emphasized that Yemen's crisis—fueled by poverty, external interventions, and internal divisions—needs a homegrown political fix. 'Dialogue, not violence,' Sun argued, urging warring factions to prioritize economic rebuilding. China also pledged support for UN-led peace efforts and regional diplomacy. 🤝🌱
Gaza Link & Humanitarian Alarm
Sun didn’t shy from connecting Yemen’s turmoil to Israel’s renewed Gaza offensive, slamming it as a 'deeply concerning' escalation. He urged the world to push for a Gaza ceasefire to 'defuse the entire region’s powder keg.' Meanwhile, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis—starved of funds and choked by blockades—needs urgent global aid, he stressed. 🚨🆘
With China positioning itself as a voice for restraint, all eyes are on whether rival powers will prioritize peace over polarization. 💥🌍
Reference(s):
China calls for calm in Red Sea, political resolution in Yemen
cgtn.com