China Calls for Red Sea De-escalation, Respects Yemen's Sovereignty After UN Vote

Following a vote on a Security Council resolution concerning the Red Sea, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered an explanatory statement. He stressed that Security Council resolutions should not be misinterpreted or misused, and that Yemen's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected. China's abstention in the vote reflected its consistent stance, considering the current circumstances in the Red Sea and Yemen.

Geng highlighted the recent escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, including renewed clashes between Israel and the Houthi armed forces, with the Houthis targeting commercial ships and causing casualties. China expressed deep concern over these developments. He urged the Houthis to adhere to international law, respect the navigational rights of all countries' commercial vessels in the Red Sea, halt attacks on commercial vessels, and ensure the security of Red Sea waterways.

China's abstention on Council Resolution 2722 and its subsequent extensions was also mentioned. Geng noted that after the adoption of Resolution 2722, certain countries took military actions against Yemen, which significantly hindered the peace process in Yemen and worsened tensions in the Red Sea, with lasting negative consequences. He reiterated that Security Council resolutions should not be misinterpreted or abused, and Yemen's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be upheld.

Geng further stated that the tensions in the Red Sea are a significant consequence of the spillover from the Gaza conflict. He emphasized that resolving the issues in the Red Sea and Yemen is linked to the overall easing and de-escalation of the regional situation. China is prepared to collaborate with all parties to achieve positive results at the upcoming High-Level Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

The Security Council adopted Resolution 2787, extending the Secretary-General’s monthly reporting requirement on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea until January 15, 2026. The vote resulted in 12 in favor, zero against, and three abstentions, with Algeria, China, and Russia abstaining.