China calls for political solution to Yemeni crisis

China on Thursday voiced concern over the deterioration of the situation in Yemen, calling on all parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue.

The Saudi ambassador to Washington announced on Wednesday that his country and its Gulf allies have launched airstrikes on the Shiite Houthi group in Yemen.

Warplanes raided military camps belonging to the Houhti militia in Yemen's capital Sanaa on Thursday, killing four civilians.

China hopes all parties involved will resolve the crisis through political dialogue in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions on Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement, so as to restore domestic stability and normal order as soon as possible, said Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a routine press conference.

All Chinese agencies and personnel in Yemen are safe and sound, she said, adding the Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassy in Yemen have advised Chinese citizens to suspend their travel plans to Yemen.

"We will continue to closely follow the situation in Yemen," said Hua.

Yemen has experienced a power struggle since January when President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Prime Minister Khaled Bahah submitted their resignation in protest against the Houthi group's takeover of the capital.

Hadi fled to the southern port city of Aden in February after being placed under house arrest by the Houthi group and the remains of his government have made the city their provisional capital.

The Houthi fighters took control of a strategic military air base in the southern province of Lahj early on Wednesday. Endi