Remarks by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Emergency Briefing on Yemen

President,

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his briefing and welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today's meeting.

Over the past week or so, the situation in Yemen and the surrounding region has escalated across the board. Fierce fighting has broken out in Taiz, Hodeidah, Al Bayda, and other areas in Yemen, while energy and civilian facilities in Jizan, Najran, Abha, and other areas in Saudi Arabia have come under intensive attacks. China is concerned about the sharp increase in the intensity of this round of conflict and deeply saddened by the injuries to innocent civilians and the damage to critical infrastructure caused by the conflict. We condemn all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. The parties to the conflict have a responsibility to comply with international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian facilities must not be targeted, and their safety must be respected and protected by all parties.

The situation in Yemen has now reached a critical juncture. The international community should heighten its sense of urgency, remain steadfast in its commitment to peace, and step up efforts for peace, so as to help Yemen break the cycle of recurring turmoil and embark on a path toward lasting peace. I would like to make three points.

First, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be earnestly safeguarded. The UN Charter establishes such basic principles as the sovereign equality of all states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, which are universally recognized basic norms governing international relations. The sovereignty of all countries in the region, including Yemen and Saudi Arabia, should be fully respected, their territorial integrity should be earnestly safeguarded, and the safety and security of their personnel, facilities, and institutions should be effectively protected. Yemen's future and destiny should be firmly in the hands of the Yemeni people themselves.

Second, every effort should be made to advance dialogue and consultation. Military means cannot fundamentally resolve the Yemen issue. Confrontation and conflict will only bring even greater suffering to the Yemeni people. China calls on the parties to the conflict to move toward each other, work together to de-escalate the situation, and create conditions for a political settlement of the Yemen issue. China supports the United Nations in playing a greater role on the Yemen issue and supports the mediation and good offices efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and regional countries. The parties to the conflict should make good use of the Military Coordination Committee mechanism, earnestly implement the previously reached prisoner exchange agreement, take confidence-building measures, and gradually rebuild mutual trust. Through dialogue and communication, the parties should earnestly address each other's legitimate concerns and seek the greatest common ground that accommodates the concerns of all sides.

Third, a comprehensive approach should be taken to address the security and development challenges. Resolving the Yemen issue requires not only efforts to ease the immediate tensions, but also greater emphasis on addressing the deep-rooted causes of the conflict. Yemen is one of the countries facing the most severe humanitarian situation in the world, and persistent extreme poverty often gives rise to more conflict and violence. As a result of the escalation in this round of conflict, humanitarian needs in Taiz, Hodeidah, and other areas have become even more urgent. China calls on the international community to step up humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen, help the country alleviate the humanitarian disaster, strengthen its endogenous development momentum, and, by enlarging the development pie, enhance internal unity and bridge social divides.

President,

China has always stood firmly on the side of peace and dialogue, as well as on the right side of history. The legitimate Government of Yemen is widely recognized by the international community. China has always supported safeguarding Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. China stands ready to continue working with the international community and play a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the fighting in Yemen, launching national reconstruction, achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, and restoring development and prosperity.

Thank you, President.