Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, July 14th Sun Lei, charge d'affaires of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, made an explanatory speech after the Security Council voted on the draft resolution to extend the authorization to report the Red Sea ship attack report on the 14th, emphasizing that the resolution of the Red Sea issue must respect international law and the legitimate rights of all countries.

Sun Lei said that China abstained from voting on the draft resolution, which reflects the continuity of China’s position.

He said that to resolve the Red Sea issue, international law and the legitimate rights of all countries must be respected.The Red Sea waters are important international trade channels, and maintaining the safety of the Red Sea waterways is the common responsibility of all parties.Currently, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have a worrying negative impact on the situation in the Red Sea.All parties should respect the navigation rights of merchant ships from all countries in the Red Sea waters in accordance with international law and jointly maintain normal international trade order.No party may make threatening remarks or take military action to increase security risks in the Red Sea.

He said that to resolve the Red Sea issue, Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.After the Security Council passed Resolution 2722 in January 2024, the United States immediately took military action against Yemen, severely impacting the Yemeni peace process and exacerbating tensions in the Red Sea.China emphasizes that Security Council Resolution 2722 and subsequent resolutions authorizing the extension of the Red Sea Ship Attack Report have never authorized the use of force against Yemen and must not be misinterpreted or abused by any country.

He said that to solve the Red Sea issue, we must promote the overall cooling of the regional situation.The Palestinian issue remains at the heart of the Middle East issue.The ceasefire in Gaza has yet to bring real peace.China calls on all relevant parties, especially Israel, to fully abide by the ceasefire agreement and achieve real and lasting peace in Gaza.China calls on the international community to build consensus, implement the "two-state solution" as soon as possible, and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible.The recurrence of military conflicts in the Gulf region is not in the interest of any party. Relevant parties should exercise rational restraint to avoid the expansion and escalation of the war and harm to innocent people.

Sun Lei said that China has always strictly abided by and implemented Security Council resolutions, adopted a prudent and responsible attitude in exporting military products and dual-use items, and implemented strict controls in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations and its international obligations.The top priority is for the United States to stop creating new conflicts and turmoil in the Middle East.

The Security Council passed Resolution 2826 on the 14th with 13 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 2 abstentions, extending the requirement stipulated in Resolution 2722 that the United Nations Secretary-General report to the Security Council monthly on attacks by Houthi armed forces on merchant ships in the Red Sea for six months to January 15, 2027.China and Russia abstained from the vote.