President,

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their briefings, and welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today's meeting.

Over the past month or so, the situation in Yemen has escalated sharply, with the intensity of the conflict reaching its highest level since the ceasefire agreement was signed in April 2022. Large-scale clashes have occurred in Hodeidah, Marib, Hadramout and other areas, causing significant casualties. At the same time, safety and security risks along the Red Sea shipping routes have increased, causing widespread concern in the international community. The most urgent task is to de-escalate the situation and prevent the conflict from further expanding. All parties concerned should remain calm and exercise restraint, and avoid a spiral of escalation.

The current escalation of tensions in Yemen is taking place against the backdrop of growing instability across the Middle East and is a result of the spillover effects of regional conflicts. The series of crises that have erupted in the Middle East over the past three years are by no means isolated. To properly address the Yemen issue, we must consider it in the broader context of the Middle East, adopt a comprehensive approach, and work to de-escalate tensions across the region as a whole. To this end, I would like to make four points.

First, promote peaceful coexistence among countries. Middle Eastern countries are closely interdependent and are neighbors that cannot move away from one another. Conflict and instability serve the interests of no country in the region. Israel and all relevant parties should fully implement the ceasefire agreement and achieve a genuine and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The international community should step up mediation efforts and urge the United States and Iran to return to the implementation of the consensus reached in the memorandum of understanding, thereby creating conditions for resolving regional hotspot issues. We should support regional countries in engaging in dialogue, improving their relations, and building a new regional security architecture suited to evolving circumstances.

Second, fully respect the sovereignty of all countries. Sovereign equality is a fundamental principle established by the UN Charter. All countries in the region are equal members of the international community. Their sovereignty, independence, security and territorial integrity must be fully respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions must be effectively safeguarded. The Yemen issue should be resolved through a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned process. China supports dialogue and negotiations among all Yemeni parties, the resumption and continued advancement of a comprehensive political process, and efforts to achieve internal reconciliation at an early date. China supports Special Envoy Grundberg in continuing to play his good offices role.

Third, firmly uphold the international rule of law. The authority of international law lies in its consistent application. It cannot be applied when convenient and discarded when not. Nor should the law of the jungle dictate the fate of countries in the region. The international community should jointly oppose the use of force without Security Council authorization. In addressing hotspot issues, the Security Council should uphold an objective, balanced and impartial position and play a constructive role. The issue of passage through straits used for international navigation concerns the common interests of all countries, and safe and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured. The principle under international humanitarian law that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted must be upheld.

Fourth, advance development and security in a coordinated manner. Development underpins security. Without sustainable development, sustainable security cannot be achieved. Yemen is facing one of the largest, longest-lasting and most severe humanitarian crises in the world, and the international community must take urgent action. China commends Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for his efforts in this regard. China recently provided a new batch of food aid to Yemen and calls on all parties to increase humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen to prevent large-scale famine. The Houthis should immediately and unconditionally release detained UN personnel and create favorable conditions for the United Nations to resume humanitarian assistance.

President,

China is a true friend of the Yemeni people. China firmly supports Yemen in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports its pursuit of peace and development. China will continue to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a political solution to the Yemen issue and restore lasting peace in the region.

Thank you, President.