China calls for de-escalation in Yemen situation

A Chinese envoy on Monday expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions surrounding Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport and called for de-escalation in the war-torn country.

China calls on all parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation, said Sun Lei, the charge d’affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

At an emergency meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, Sun said that China has always maintained that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region, including Yemen, should be respected, that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld, and that civilians, humanitarian workers, and civilian objects should be protected.

Sun said the issue of Yemen is closely linked to the overall situation in the Middle East. Recently, tensions in the Middle East have continued to escalate. The ceasefire arrangement reached between the United States and Iran is being challenged, which is deeply concerning.

“A renewed outbreak of hostilities serves no one’s interests, and military means cannot resolve the issues,” said Sun.

All parties concerned with the issue of Yemen should refrain from taking any action that could escalate the situation or undermine mutual trust, so as to prevent new conflicts, he said.

Tokyo stocks ended higher on Tuesday, buoyed by bargain-hunting in some heavyweight technology shares.

The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 500.77 points, or 0.74 percent, from Monday at 67,743.50.

The broader Topix index finished 31.49 points, or 0.79 percent, higher at 4,038.98. On the top-tier Prime Market, mining, marine transportation, and chemical issues were notable gainers.

The market swung between gains and losses amid growing concern over oil supplies after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was reinstating a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts said persistent uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict, coupled with higher oil prices, is keeping investors cautious.

Heavyweight semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares initially tracked overnight losses on Wall Street, dragging the Nikkei index down by nearly 1,000 points at one stage.

However, bargain-hunting emerged following recent declines, lifting the market to end in positive territory.