Red Sea tension linked to Gaza says China's FM

China is deeply concerned about escalating tension in the Red Sea, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Cairo on Sunday.

The waters of the Red Sea are an important artery for international cargo and for the energy industry and China calls for a stop to harassment and attacks of civilian vessels in the region, Wang said at a joint news conference with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

At the same time, he noted that the United Nations Security Council has not authorized any country to use force against Yemen, adding that a further escalation of tension should be avoided.

Tension in the Red Sea is a manifestation of spillover from the conflict in Gaza, and top priority should be given to ending that conflict as soon as possible, he said.