Red Sea tension arises as manifestation of Gaza conflict spillover: Chinese UN representative

A Chinese UN representative said the tension in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict at a Security Council briefing on Yemen on Thursday.

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks while also calling on the Houthis to respect the right of commercial vessels of all countries to navigate in the waters of the Red Sea in accordance with international law.

"he tension in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict. It has been 11 months since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict and there is still no peace in sight. The negative effects of the conflict are increasing instability in the region. China once again urges the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza," said Geng.

The representative said China has always maintained that resolving the Yemen issue must rely on political and diplomatic means. He added that relevant parties should jointly advance a comprehensive political process that is "led by and owned by the people" and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.

China looks forward to countries with influence on Yemen playing a constructive role and calls on the Yemeni government and the Houthis to work together to implement the agreements reached between the two sides on financial and aviation issues, Geng said.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker named "MV Sounion", carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil, was attacked by Houthi forces on Aug. 21 with small arms, projectiles, and a drone boat. The situation escalated when Houthi forces released footage on Aug. 29 showing them boarding and placing explosives on the oil tanker, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill.

Geng expressed concern over the attack on the oil tanker, the possible oil spill, and the potential ecological and environmental impact.

He also pointed out that many provinces in Yemen are suffering from severe floods and the humanitarian situation has worsened. The international community should step up humanitarian assistance to Yemen, he said.

The deputy permanent representative also expressed grave concern over the detention of UN personnel in Yemen and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel.

Red Sea tension arises as manifestation of Gaza conflict spillover: Chinese UN representative

Bakers in San Francisco's Chinatown have been adding some new twists to traditional Chinese mooncakes to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 17 this year.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the night when the moon reaches its fullest and brightest on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar. Sharing mooncakes, a classic Chinese baked pastry that symbolizes family reunions during the harvest season, with loved ones is an important part of the festival celebrations.

The iCake Bakery in the heart of the city's Chinatown is especially busy at this time of year. This year, the bakery owner Hannah Zhang invited Judy Lee, the vice president of the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce, to make mooncakes.

"So we have here a black sesame filling. It's one of the most unique flavors we have at iCafe. And now we're going to put in an egg yolk," said Lee, translating for Zhang.

Just around the corner at the AA Cafe, owner Henry Chen has also been experimenting with some new twists on the classic treat.

"We have a lot of different [flavors], like the date, melon, pineapple, strawberry, mango and seasoned nuts," said Chen.

Visitors to San Francisco's Chinatown can find all sorts of mooncakes, especially in the months leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Whether it is a traditional or modern variety, it is a way to connect with a tradition that stretches back more than a thousand years and to remind people what the historic Chinatown community has to offer.

"In the spirit of the Moon Festival, it gives us another reason to gather with our friends and family to attract people who've never been to San Francisco's Chinatown and see why there's so much preservation here. It is the oldest Chinatown in the nation still," said Lee.

Bakers in San Francisco offer new treats for mooncake lovers for Mid-Autumn Festival