China Urges Yemeni Parties to Ceasefire, Return to Negotiations at UN Security Council
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
China has renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen, urging all conflicting parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic negotiations. The appeal came during an emergency open meeting of the United Nations Security Council held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Sun Lei (孫磊), Chargé d'affaires ad interim at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN, delivered China's position, expressing deep concern over the significant new developments and rapid escalation of tensions in Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait region .
Key Points
- Sun Lei urged all parties to maintain calm and restraint, cease hostilities immediately, and avoid actions that would further escalate tensions
- China reiterated its consistent support for maintaining the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both Yemen and Saudi Arabia
- Beijing firmly opposed attacks on civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts, declaring that protecting civilians and civilian facilities represents an absolute red line that must never be crossed
- China opposed any attacks on commercial vessels, calling on all parties to respect the rights of merchant ships to navigate the Red Sea in accordance with international law
- The Chinese diplomat emphasized that the fundamental solution to maritime security risks in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait lies in ending armed conflict on land to achieve lasting peace
- China expressed support for Gulf states playing a greater mediating role in resolving the current conflict and proposed exploring the restructuring of regional security architecture
Why It Matters
The Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait constitute critical arteries for international cargo and energy transportation, making the current conflict a matter of global maritime security concern . China's comprehensive proposal, which combines immediate ceasefire demands with longer-term security architecture discussions, reflects Beijing's growing diplomatic engagement in Middle East affairs and its strategic interest in maintaining freedom of navigation in these vital waters .
The Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait constitute critical arteries for international cargo and energy transportation, making the current conflict a matter of global maritime security concern . China's comprehensive proposal, which combines immediate ceasefire demands with longer-term security architecture discussions, reflects Beijing's growing diplomatic engagement in Middle East affairs and its strategic interest in maintaining freedom of navigation in these vital waters .