President, 

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for the briefings, and welcome the presence of the representative of Yemen at today’s meeting. Taking this opportunity, I would like to pay tribute to USG Griffiths for his efforts and contributions during his tenure.

China supports the active efforts by Special Envoy Grundberg and the parties concerned to promote the peace process in Yemen. I wish to highlight three points.

First, to resolve the Yemeni issue, we must rely on political and diplomatic means. All parties concerned should keep in mind the well-being of all Yemeni people, adhere to the general direction of political settlement, remove interference, move toward each other, and work together to promote a comprehensive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. All parties, especially countries with influence on the situation in Yemen, should play a constructive role to that end.

Second, to resolve the Yemeni issue, we must deescalate the situation in the Red Sea as soon as possible. We call on the Houthis to respect the right of navigation for commercial vessels of all countries in the Red Sea in accordance with international law and to to cease immediately relevant attacks. We call on the parties concerned to exercise restraint and desist from actions that exacerbate tensions. 

Third, to resolve the Yemeni issue, we must prioritize humanitarian considerations. The international community should scale up its humanitarian assistance to Yemen, fulfill its pledges as early as possible, and provide food, medicine, and other urgently-needed supplies without delay.

President,

The situation in Yemen and the Red Sea is closely related to the conflict in Gaza. Over seven months have passed since the outbreak of Gaza conflict. The fighting has not only caused unprecedented civilian casualties and humanitarian catastrophe, but also jeopardized regional peace and stability. China urges expeditious implementation of Council Resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728, and urges relevant country to step up efforts to persuade and pressure Israel. China is ready to continue working with all parties to facilitate the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and achieve peace and stability in Middle East.

Thank you, President.