China calls for putting interests of Yemeni people first, upholding its territorial integrity

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – China called on Monday for the upholding of Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, expressing hope that the relevant parties will prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged the creation of conditions for the restoration of peace and tranquility in Yemen as soon as possible, according to state-run Xinhua News.

The spokesperson said China is closely monitoring the situation in southern Yemen and hopes that parties will respond to regional and international peace efforts.

The official called for resolving differences and disputes through political dialogue, finding a solution that accommodates all parties' legitimate concerns, and creating conditions for restoring peace and tranquility in Yemen at an early date.

China will continue to promote talks for peace in its own way and play a constructive role for the early realization of a political settlement of the Yemen issue, the spokesperson said.

Tension has escalated in Yemen after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) took control of the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra early this month after clashes with government forces.

The STC repeatedly claims that successive governments have politically and economically marginalized southern regions and calls for their separation from the north—claims rejected by the Yemeni authorities, as they insist on preserving the country’s territorial unity.

Iran is a main backer of the Houthi group, which controls most of northern Yemen.