China: We support legitimacy in Yemen and reject Houthi attacks on cargo ships

Shao Zheng, Acting Chinese Ambassador to Yemen, stressed that his country's support for the legitimate government and the Presidential Command Council is unwavering, stressing his country's rejection of the attacks launched by the Houthi militia on cargo ships since last November.

He said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper: “We support the peace map in Yemen, and I hope that the parties concerned will sit at the table. To achieve a peace agreement soon.

The Chinese official added that Beijing is coordinating with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the five permanent members of the Security Council, and other concerned parties. To advance the peace map in Yemen, calling on the Yemeni parties to sit at the table and sign a peace agreement urgently.

The Chinese official praised the Saudi efforts to achieve peace in Yemen, describing them as “positive,” and pointed out that his country is preparing to coordinate with regional countries to achieve peace in this region quickly.

Regarding the Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Chinese diplomat reiterated that his country rejects the military targeting of commercial and shipping ships.

He said: “We must ensure the security of the Red Sea, and express our position to the Houthis and to other parties. The Red Sea crisis has been continuing for about half a year, and has caused huge losses in various countries, so we call for an end to the military targeting of commercial ships.

Commenting on the Houthi group’s targeting of a Chinese ship in the recent period, Cheng confirmed that China is constantly monitoring the situation in the Red Sea, and said: “As you know, the market for foreign ships is relatively complex, and we cannot distinguish this ship from any country, and therefore we call for an end to the military targeting.” For merchant ships; To avoid affecting production and supply chains in the world.

He stressed that “the international community must guarantee peace in the Red Sea in accordance with international law (...) and we must respect the sovereignty of countries overlooking the Red Sea, such as Yemen. We also call and alert commercial ships to raise security awareness.”