China calls for calm, restraint over tensions in Red Sea region: spokesperson

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing replying to a query about an attack upon Yemen's Houthis by the United States, which was launched as a response to the assaults by the Houthis on a merchant ship in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea is an important international trade route for goods and energy, Mao said, expressing the hope that all relevant parties will play a constructive and responsible role in safeguarding security and stability in the region, which serves the common interests of the international community.