President,

China abstained in the voting on the draft resolution that was just put to a vote, reflecting the consistency of China's position. I wish to explain China's vote as follows.

First, addressing the Red Sea issue requires respect for international law and the legitimate rights of all nations. The Red Sea is a vital international trade route, and safeguarding the security of its shipping lanes is a shared responsibility. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are negatively affecting the situation in the Red Sea. This is indeed disturbing. All parties should respect the right of commercial vessels to navigation in the Red Sea under international law and jointly uphold the normal order of international trade. No party should issue threatening statements or take military actions that heighten security risks in the Red Sea.

Second, Resolving the Red Sea issue requires respect for Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the Council's adoption of Resolution 2722 in January 2024, the U.S. launched military operations against Yemen, severely undermining the country's peace process and exacerbating tensions in the Red Sea. China emphasizes that neither Resolution 2722 Nor the subsequent resolutions extending the reporting mandate authorized the use of force against Yemen. No country should misinterpret or abuse those resolutions.

Third, addressing the Red Sea issue requires promoting an overall de-escalation of the regional situation. The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue. The Gaza ceasefire agreement has yet to bring about genuine peace. We call on all parties concerned, especially Israel, to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and realize genuine and lasting peace in Gaza. We also call on the international community to build consensus and implement the two-State solution at an early date, so as to advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. A renewed military conflict in the Gulf region serves no one's interests. The parties concerned should respond to the strong calls from the international community and regional countries for peace and stability, remain rational and exercise restraint, avoid any further escalation or expansion of the conflict, and prevent harm to innocent civilians.

Just now, the accusations leveled by the representative of the U.S. against China are completely baseless. China firmly opposes and categorically rejects those attacks. China consistently and strictly complies with and implements the Council's resolutions, and has maintained a cautious and responsible attitude regarding the export of military and dual-use items. In accordance with its domestic legal framework and its international obligations, China exercises strict control over such exports. The priority now is for the U.S. to stop creating new conflicts and turmoil in the Middle East. Thank you, President.

Thank you, President.