Dialogue 'only correct choice' to resolve Yemen crisis: Chinese envoy

Holding dialogues and consultations is the "only correct choice" to resolve the Yemen crisis, a senior Chinese diplomat told a United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

Geng Shuang, deputy permanent representative of China to the UN, called on the Houthis to respect the navigation rights of merchant ships of all countries in the Red Sea in accordance with the international law and ensure the safety of shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

Noting that continued tensions in the Red Sea do not serve the common interests of the international community, Geng urged all parties concerned to remain calm and refrain from actions that escalate tensions. 

On the situation in Gaza and Lebanon and continued strikes between Houthi forces and Israel, Geng said China believes that the top priority is to cool down the situation and prevent the conflict from expanding.

China calls on all parties concerned to stick to the general direction of political settlement, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly advance a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned comprehensive political process, he said. China calls on all parties to support the work of the UN's special envoy for Yemen and push for substantive steps towards a political settlement of the Yemeni issue at an early date, he added.

The Chinese diplomat also called on the international community to increase humanitarian aid and development assistance for Yemen and increase support for the Yemeni government's efforts to improve people's livelihood. He added China is gravely concerned over the detention of UN personnel in Yemen and encourages all parties to step up contacts to facilitate the unconditional release of all UN personnel as soon as possible.