China calls for ceasefire in Yemen

BEIJING - China called for ceasefire in Yemen on Tuesday after Russia's proposal for a UN resolution on humanitarian respite there.

"China is deeply concerned about the situation in Yemen. We hope all parties will declare a ceasefire soon to avoid more civilian casualties," Foreign Ministry representative Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing.

China hopes all parties will resolve the crisis through political dialogue and restore order, she said, calling for more attention to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen.

"China calls on all parties to abide by international law and provide safety guarantees and support for countries to evacuate their nationals," she said.

Hua said the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in easing the tension and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and work for a political solution.

Amid ongoing Saudi airstrikes against the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen and a worsening humanitarian situation on the ground, the UN Security Council had closed-door consultations on Saturday at the request of Russia and began working on a draft resolution to reach a ceasefire.

The World Health Organization estimated that more than 540 people have been killed and some 1,700 people wounded by the violence since March 19.