President,

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their briefings. I have also listened carefully to the statement of the civil society representative Ms. Summer Nasser. I welcome the presence of the representative of Yemen at today’s meeting. I would like to make five points. 

First, China expresses its deep concern over the recent armed attacks on two commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and reiterates its call on the Houthis to respect the navigation rights of commercial vessels of all countries in the Red Sea in accordance with international law, desist from targeting commercial vessels, and maintain the safety of waterways in the Red Sea. 

Second, China is concerned about the new round of exchange of fire between the Houthis and Israel and the worsening trend of developments. We call on all parties to exercise calm and restraint and refrain from actions that escalate tensions. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is an international obligation that must be observed by all parties. The respect for sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of states is a basic principle that must be adhered to by all. 

Third, China welcomes that, with the assistance of the UN, the agreement has been reached between Taiz and Al-Hawban on the joint management of the water supply systems. This positive development demonstrates that peace, development, and cooperation are the common aspirations of the Yemeni people. We expect all parties to the conflict in Yemen to show political will, strengthen dialogue and communication, gradually build mutual trust, and create conditions for a final political settlement to the Yemeni issue. China supports Special Envoy Grundberg to scale up his mediation efforts, and expects the regional countries to play a greater role to this end. 

Fourth, China calls on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance to Yemen and to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis on the ground. In this process, the safety and security of UN personnel and humanitarian workers should be effectively guaranteed. 

Fifth, the resolution of the issues in Yemen and the Red Sea cannot be achieved without the easing and deescalation of the overall situation in the region. The fighting in Gaza must cease immediately. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must be brought to an end without delay. The two-State solution must be implemented as soon as possible. The postponed high-level conference on the implementation of the two-State solution should be convened at an early date. Finally, the ceasefire between Israel, the US, and Iran should be observed, the sovereignty of states should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be adhered to. 

I thank you, President.