China said on Friday that it is seriously concerned about a rise in tensions in Yemen following the air strikes launched by the U.S. and the UK and called for all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal at a United Nations Security Council meeting requested by Russia.

"We call on all parties, especially influential powers, to stick to the right direction of dialogue and consultation and make concrete efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Red Sea and the Middle East," he said.

The U.S. and UK launched air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Thursday, in response to the group's attacks on international ships in the Red Sea.