ISTANBUL

China said that a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip could pave the way for full de-escalation in the Red Sea and stressed that regional stability is closely interconnected.

Addressing a Security Council meeting on Yemen on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong urged the international community to intensify efforts toward a political solution to the prolonged Yemeni conflict, according to a transcript published on its official website.

"The situations in Yemen and the Red Sea are closely linked to the overall situation in the Middle East. Only a genuine, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza can truly quell the situation in the Red Sea," he told the council.

He called for full compliance with the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, urging an end to all attacks that violate the truce, unimpeded humanitarian aid to the territory, and progress toward implementing a two-state solution.

Fu said that Beijing will continue to work with the international community to achieve a political solution to the Yemeni issue and restore peace and stability to the Middle East.

"China supports safeguarding Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and calls on all parties to resolve differences and disputes through political dialogue, strive for early reconciliation, and promptly begin economic reconstruction," he added.

Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, Fu said roughly 18 million people in Yemen face severe hunger, urging increased funding for UN aid agencies and stronger protections for civilians and humanitarian workers.