Envoy calls for end to attacks in Red Sea

China's top envoy to the United Nations on Wednesday called on Houthi rebels to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, emphasizing respect for the freedom of navigation. The call came as the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an end to Red Sea attacks.

"We call on the Houthi militia to immediately cease their attacks on civilian vessels and respect the freedom of navigation of all countries in the Red Sea waters in accordance with the requirements of the Security Council resolutions," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council.

"We call on all relevant parties to strictly abide by the UN Charter and international law and play a constructive and responsible role in easing tensions in the Red Sea. No country may misinterpret and abuse the relevant provisions of this resolution to create new tensions in the Red Sea."

The Security Council passed a resolution on Wednesday strongly condemning the multiple attacks on merchant and commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi militia, demanding that the group immediately cease all such attacks.

The resolution passed with 11 votes in favor, none against, while four countries abstained: China, Russia, Algeria and Mozambique.

China abstained from voting because the resolution did not include all the suggested amendments proposed by China, Russia, Algeria and others, and it still "seems unclear on important issues", Zhang said. It raises concerns about its effectiveness and the possibility of making things worse in the region.

"China is open to further appropriate action by the Security Council to safeguard the navigational rights of merchant ships of all countries in the waters of the Red Sea in accordance with international law," Zhang said.

Zhang highlighted the Red Sea's vital role in trade and energy transport, emphasizing its importance for regional peace, global supply chains and international trade.

Largest-ever strike

The UN resolution came as the Houthi militia fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles targeting shipping in the Red Sea earlier on Wednesday, forcing the United States and British navies to shoot down the projectiles in a major naval engagement. No damage was immediately reported.

The assault happened off the Yemeni port cities of Hodeida and Mokha, according to private intelligence firm Ambrey. In the Hodeida attack, Ambrey said ships described over radio seeing missiles and drones, with US-allied warships in the area urging "vessels to proceed at maximum speed".

Off Mokha, ships saw missiles fired, a drone in the air and small vessels trailing them, Ambrey said early on Wednesday.

Agencies contributed to this story.