Speaking at a Security Council meeting on 14/7 regarding the Houthi armed group in Yemen, US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused China of violating a United Nations arms embargo. He stated, "Countries such as Iran and some businesses and organizations in China have violated Resolution 2216 with almost no consequences."

Security Council Resolution 2216, adopted in 2015, demanded that Houthi cease hostilities and withdraw from territories they had occupied in Yemen. The resolution also imposed an arms embargo on Houthi and allied armed groups, along with individual sanctions like asset freezes and travel bans.

In response to Waltz, Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei asserted that the US "bears undeniable responsibility" for the current situation in Yemen and the Red Sea region. He further accused Washington of obstructing Security Council efforts to end the conflict, thereby prolonging the crisis in the Gaza Strip and escalating regional tensions.

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 13/7 regarding the Middle East situation. Photo: AFP

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 13/7 regarding the Middle East situation. Photo: AFP

"The US has launched attacks against Iran without Security Council authorization, even as negotiations between Washington and Tehran were underway. That action has once again pushed the regional situation to the brink of danger," Sun emphasized.

The Chinese official called on the US to reflect on its actions. "The US should take concrete measures to eliminate the negative impacts caused by its own actions and statements," Ambassador Sun stated.

Civil war erupted in Yemen in 2014 after Houthi forces captured the capital, Sanaa, compelling the internationally recognized government to relocate south. The armed group currently controls northern Yemen. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in the civil war in 2015 to counter Houthi, leading to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

The Security Council meeting took place after Houthi on 13/7 accused Saudi Arabia of attacking Sanaa International Airport and retaliated by launching missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at an international airport in Saudi Arabia. This marked the largest clash since an informal ceasefire took effect in 2022.

The Saudi Arabia-backed exiled Yemeni government claimed responsibility for the Sanaa airport attack, stating the strike's purpose was to "prevent Iranian planes from landing."

By Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)