China has condemned recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia’s airports and energy infrastructure, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning expressing serious concern on Monday, 12 October 2026, over the escalating conflict and urging the parties to pursue dialogue to restore regional stability.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Mao said Beijing opposed the attacks and was concerned about the growing violence between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group.

Also read: Saudi alert hits Mecca after Houthi strikes south

“China condemns the attacks that caused heavy casualties and expresses serious concern over the intensification of the conflict,” Mao said.

She called on the parties involved to avoid actions that could worsen regional tensions and instead seek a diplomatic resolution.

“We call on relevant parties to avoid taking actions that escalate regional tensions, to resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and to achieve peace and stability in the region at an early date,” she added.

China’s statement followed a series of reported attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, alongside strikes on oil facilities and tankers operating in the Red Sea.

According to the initial report, a Houthi strike hit Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday, killing one person and injuring 11 others.

The attack came a day after another deadly strike claimed by the group forced the suspension of airport operations.

However, casualty figures reported by different sources have varied. A separate report by PUNCH cited Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation as saying that an attack on Saturday, 10 October, killed 12 people and injured 309 others.

The reports did not establish whether the differing figures reflected separate incidents, different stages of casualty reporting or conflicting accounts of the same attack.

The reported strikes mark a serious escalation in a conflict that has affected Yemen and its neighbours for years. Saudi Arabia has long supported Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its struggle against the Houthis, who control large parts of the country, including the capital, Sanaa.

The latest violence has also raised concerns about the security of civilian aviation and energy infrastructure. Riyadh’s airport is a major transport hub, serving domestic and international travellers, including religious pilgrims travelling to Islam’s holy sites.

Repeated attacks on the facility could disrupt air travel, complicate passenger movements and create additional uncertainty for airlines and travellers.

Strikes against oil installations and shipping routes could also have wider implications for energy markets and regional trade, depending on the scale and duration of the disruption.

The Houthis have reportedly intensified attacks on Saudi targets in recent days, including the Riyadh airport and energy facilities.

The group has also targeted tankers in the Red Sea, a strategically important maritime corridor for international commerce.

The latest escalation comes against the backdrop of a prolonged war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.

Although diplomatic efforts have sought to reduce hostilities, tensions have continued to threaten regional security.

China’s response reflects Beijing’s stated preference for resolving international disputes through negotiations and avoiding further escalation. Its call for restraint comes as attacks on Saudi territory risk widening an already complex regional conflict.

For Saudi Arabia, protecting critical infrastructure and civilian populations remains a major concern as the reported strikes continue.

For the wider international community, the security of airports, energy facilities and Red Sea shipping routes carries economic and humanitarian significance.

No independent verification of all the reported casualty figures was provided in the supplied account.

Also read: Saudi alert hits Mecca after Houthi strikes south

Further statements from Saudi authorities and the parties involved are needed to clarify the full extent of the damage and establish the circumstances of the attacks.