China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sun Lei on Wednesday called on all the parties concerned to ease tensions in the Red Sea, resume political dialogue in Yemen, and scale up humanitarian assistance to address the country's worsening crisis.
"The situation in the Red Sea continues to be volatile, which is concerning," said Sun at a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, referring to the recent U.S. and British airstrikes on Yemen, along with cross-attacks between the Houthis and Israel that have resulted in heavy casualties and damage to infrastructure.
He emphasized that civilians and civilian facilities should not and must not be targeted in military operations under any circumstances, calling on the Houthi forces to immediately and unconditionally release all detained personnel.
"China welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and the Houthis and commended Oman's diplomatic efforts in facilitating the deal. We hope all the parties concerned will take this as an opportunity to cool down the situation at an early date," Sun said.
"China reiterates its call for all parties to exercise calm and restraint and to refrain from any action that exacerbates tensions. We call on the Houthis to stop assaulting commercial vessels and maintain the safety of the Red Sea shipping lanes," he continued.
Sun noted that the crisis in Yemen must ultimately be resolved through political means, and the tensions in the Red Sea are closely linked to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
"The tensions in the Red Sea are closely linked to the situation in Gaza. Recently, in disregard of the strong opposition of the international community, Israel has resumed fighting in Gaza and imposed continued blockade on Gaza, posing additional challenges to the security and stability of the region. This is deeply concerning and worrying. The international community should make realizing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza an overriding priority, so as to deescalate the overall situation in the region and restore peace and stability in Yemen and the Red Sea," he further said.
The Houthi forces, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel and the Israel-linked shipping since November 2023, citing solidarity with the Palestinians. The attacks later expanded to targeting U.S. ships.
China calls for calm in Red Sea, political resolution in Yemen
China calls for calm in Red Sea, political resolution in Yemen
China calls for calm in Red Sea, political resolution in Yemen
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
