U.S. military operation in Yemen sparks mass rallies, fears of regional escalation

The new wave of airstrikes launched by the U.S. military on Houthi targets in Yemen has prompted mass anti-U.S. protests in the capital city of Sanaa and other regions of the country and fueled fears of further escalation in tension across the region.

The U.S. began large-scale airstrikes on the Houthi forces on March 15, prompting retaliatory attacks from the Houthis on U.S. aircraft carriers and accompanying ships.

On Monday, Houthi-controlled media outlets reported that the U.S. military launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and surrounding areas, as well as the provincial government building in northern Yemen's Al-Jawf province.

On the same day, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed continued operations against Houthi targets in Yemen. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier warned of strong retaliation against any Houthi attacks, blaming Iran for orchestrating the group's actions.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Houthi media outlets reported another U.S. airstrike on Sanaa.

Also on Tuesday, tens of thousands of Yemenis rallied on the streets in Sanaa and Hodeidah, holding weapons and chanting anti-U.S. slogans to protest the deadly U.S. airstrikes, which has claimed more than 50 lives and around 100 injuries.

Local analysts suggest that the unfolding crisis in Yemen is a spillover effect of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, attributing the escalating military conflict between the U.S. and the Houthis stems to the United States' and Israel's refusal to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement as well as the restriction of humanitarian aid to and forcible power cuts in the strip.

The worsening Yemen crisis has severely threatened the security of the Red Sea -- one of the world's busiest maritime routes -- with analysts warning that the situation is increasingly spiraling out of control. Many believe that easing tensions in Yemen hinges on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

U.S. military operation in Yemen sparks mass rallies, fears of regional escalation

China is actively developing new programs of foreign aid with a focus on emerging sectors such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), according to the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, CIDCA spokesman Li Ming said China has been continuously working on cooperation projects aimed at enhancing digital connectivity.

"We have been working continuously to implement cooperation projects on digital economy, as well as digital and smart connectivity. China has helped with the construction of digital infrastructure projects in 15 countries and international organizations, including Pakistan, Laos, Egypt and Uganda. These projects cover areas such as telecommunications, internet services, e-governance, smart transportation and satellites," said the spokesman.

"The China-aided Tanzania National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Broadband Backbone project has reduced phone tariffs in Tanzania by 58 percent, and internet costs by 75 percent, enabling remote rural areas and their residents to enjoy the fruits of digital developments," he added.

China is also stepping up efforts to cultivate digital talent in developing countries, with nearly 300 training programs on digital-related topics held so far.

Meanwhile, Luban Workshop, a project named after an ancient Chinese craftsman to provide vocational skills training for local people in countries and regions across the globe, have expanded their curriculum to include artificial intelligence.

Chinese foreign aid expands into digital economy, AI initiatives