China calls for restraint, dialogue, expresses ‘concern’ amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

China on Monday called for “restraint” as well as dialogue amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing “concern” over civilian casualties and damages to energy infrastructure.

“China is deeply concerned about the casualties of innocent civilians and the damage to energy facilities and other civilian infrastructures caused by recent escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

He said attacks against civilian infrastructure that bears on people's livelihoods “are unacceptable.”

“Increasing turmoil in the region serves no one's interest. The sovereignty and security of all countries should be respected, and the only way out is to resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means,” Guo said.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have lately intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi cities and energy infrastructure.

At least 73 civilians were injured in recent attacks, according to the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen.

The recent fighting has raised fears of a return to full-scale conflict, disrupting a relative lull observed since April 2022.

Yemen has suffered nearly 12 years of war since the Iranian-backed Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.

The Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, while Saudi Arabia, the principal external actor backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government, announced a mission in July to form an international maritime alliance.

“China calls on relevant parties to exercise restraint, ease tension through communication and dialogue, and work toward de-escalation as soon as possible,” said the spokesman.