China Urges Restraint After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Ships in Red Sea

SHANGHAI, Jul 24: China on Friday called for restraint and urged all parties to protect the safety and security of international shipping routes in the Red Sea following Houthi attacks on Saudi vessels and the group’s announcement of an embargo on Saudi shipping.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was closely monitoring developments in the region and stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and security of all regional countries.

“It is important to ensure that the international shipping lane is open and safe and should be safeguarded by all,” Lin told reporters in Beijing.

His comments came after Yemen’s Houthi group announced that it had targeted two Saudi oil tankers — Encelia and Layla — with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, claiming the vessels had violated its maritime blockade.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation achieved direct hits on the ships, though the claims have not been independently verified.

China urged the parties involved to maintain dialogue, avoid further escalation and work toward restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region.

The latest tensions follow a renewed escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after Yemen’s internationally recognized government said it had prevented an Iranian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport, which is controlled by the Houthi group.

The Houthis accused Riyadh of being behind the move and responded with missile attacks on Saudi territory, ending a period of relative calm between the two sides.