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China Backs Yemeni Gov’t, Engages Houthis, Opposes Red Sea Attacks

Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
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China Backs Yemeni Gov’t, Engages Houthis, Opposes Red Sea Attacks

Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)

A Chinese diplomat announced that Beijing is working with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the five permanent UN Security Council members, and other key parties to push the Yemen peace plan forward.

The diplomat urged Yemeni factions to negotiate and quickly sign a peace agreement.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen, said China is in contact with the Houthis and other Yemeni parties. He also called for an end to attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

The Chinese diplomat praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts for peace in Yemen, calling them “positive.” Zheng mentioned that he has met Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, many times, referring to him as “a dear friend.”

He disclosed that China is planning to work with regional countries to quickly achieve peace in the Red Sea region.

Zheng clarified that China’s military base in Djibouti is not currently involved in Red Sea operations.

He highlighted that the Chinese navy has protected 7,200 ships in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast over the past 15 years, with the involvement of 35,000 Chinese soldiers.

Addressing recent US sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supplying military materials to the Houthis, Zheng stated that Beijing opposes these sanctions.

He emphasized that China has strict controls on exporting military and civilian products, calling the sanctions “unilateral and without Security Council approval.”

Moreover, the ambassador expressed optimism about the future of Chinese-Yemeni relations, calling them “bright” and highlighting successful cooperation in various fields over the years.

“This year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Yemen. We’ve seen fruitful cooperation in political and economic areas. Both countries support each other regionally and internationally,” Zheng told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We are confident in a bright future for our relations and can enhance cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road” Initiative, he affirmed.

During his recent visit to Yemen, his third in a year, Zheng visited Hadhramaut and Aden, where he attended the arrival of Chinese medical aid, including over 1,000 medical items and 10 ambulances.

“I saw significant local progress, like improved internet speeds, but Yemen still faces challenges such as electricity generation,” noted Zheng.

“In Aden, I met with the prime minister and other government officials for extensive discussions on bilateral relations and the situation in Yemen. We support the legitimate government and the Presidential Leadership Council,” he added.

The Chinese diplomat reaffirmed China’s opposition to military attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

“We must ensure the Red Sea’s security and make our position clear to the Houthis and other parties. The Red Sea crisis has lasted nearly six months, causing significant losses. We call for an end to these attacks,” said Zheng.

“China believes the Red Sea crisis is linked to the conflict in Gaza. We urge immediate peace in Gaza and humanitarian aid to prevent the crisis from spreading,” he added.

On a recent Houthi attack on a Chinese ship, Zheng said China is closely monitoring the Red Sea situation.

“The foreign shipping market is complex, and identifying a ship’s nationality can be difficult. We urge an end to attacks on commercial vessels to avoid disrupting global supply chains,” he said.

“The international community must ensure Red Sea peace according to international law. Civilians must not be targeted.”

“We must achieve peace in Gaza, respect the sovereignty of Red Sea countries like Yemen, and raise security awareness among commercial ships,” asserted Zheng.

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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stated that while the serious lifting of US sanctions on Syria could gradually yield positive results for the country’s economy, expectations must remain realistic, as rebuilding trust in the Syrian economy is essential.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shaar described the removal of sanctions as a necessary first step toward eliminating the obstacles that have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery. Although the immediate impact will likely be limited, he noted that in the medium term, improvements in trade activity and the resumption of some banking transactions could help create a more favorable environment for investment and production.

The breakthrough came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully facilitated a thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus, ultimately convincing the US president to lift sanctions on Syria. During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he would order the removal of all sanctions on Syria to “give it a chance to thrive”—a move seen as a major opportunity for the country to begin a new chapter.

Al-Shaar cautioned, however, that Syrians should not expect an immediate improvement in living standards. “We need to manage the post-sanctions phase with an open and pragmatic economic mindset,” he said, stressing that real progress will only come if sanctions relief is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms, increased transparency, and support for the business climate.

He added that Syrians will begin to feel the difference when the cost of living declines and job opportunities grow—an outcome that requires time, planning, and stability.

According to Al-Shaar, the first tangible benefits of lifting sanctions are likely to be seen in the banking and trade sectors, through facilitated financial transfers, improved access to essential goods, and lower transportation and import costs. “We may also see initial interest from investors who were previously deterred by legal restrictions,” he said. “But it’s important to emphasize that political openness alone isn’t enough—there must also be genuine economic openness from within.”

He also underscored the importance of regional support, saying that any positive role played by neighboring countries in encouraging the US to lift sanctions and normalize ties with Damascus “must be met with appreciation and cooperation.” Al-Shaar emphasized that robust intra-Arab economic relations should form a cornerstone of any reconstruction phase. “We need an economic approach that is open to the Arab world, and we could see strategic partnerships that reignite the national economy—especially through the financing of major infrastructure and development projects.”

When asked whether he expects a surge in Arab and foreign investment following the lifting of sanctions, Al-Shaar responded: “Yes, there is growing interest in investing in Syria, and several companies have already entered the market. But investors first and foremost seek legal certainty and political guarantees.” He explained that investment is not driven solely by the removal of sanctions, but by the presence of an encouraging institutional environment. “If we can enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure stability, we will gradually see greater capital inflows—especially in the service, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”

As for which countries may play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, Al-Shaar said: “Countries with long-term interests in regional stability will be at the forefront of the rebuilding process. But we must first rebuild our internal foundations and develop an economic model capable of attracting partners under balanced conditions—ones that protect economic sovereignty and promote inclusive development.”

The minister concluded by stressing that lifting sanctions, while significant, is not the end of the crisis. “Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase—one filled with challenges,” he said. “The greatest challenge isn’t securing funding, but managing resources wisely, upholding the principles of productivity, justice, and transparency. We need a proactive—not reactive—economy. We must restore the value of work and implement policies that put people at the center of development. Only then can we say we are beginning to emerge from the bottleneck.”

Last Wednesday, Riyadh hosted a landmark meeting between the Crown Prince, Trump, and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—marking the first meeting between a Syrian and a US president since Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.

Most US sanctions on Syria were imposed after the outbreak of the country’s conflict in 2011. These targeted deposed President Bashar Al-Assad, members of his family, and various political and economic figures. In 2020, additional sanctions came into effect under the Caesar Act, targeting Assad’s inner circle and imposing severe penalties on any entity or company dealing with the Syrian regime. The Act also sanctioned Syria’s construction, oil, and gas sectors and prohibited US funding for reconstruction—while exempting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.