by Rammah Hadi Hadi Al-jubari
Director of the Yemeni Media Observatory, Head of the Rights and Freedoms Committee in the General Union of Yemeni Journalists, Yemen
China plays an important role in Yemen’s development through a range of developmental projects and humanitarian aid aimed at supporting infrastructure and enhancing economic and social stability in the country. This support comes within the framework of long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries, which date back to the early decades of the 20th century. Here is an overview of some of the prominent roles China plays in Yemen’s development:
In light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, China provides various humanitarian aids, including food and medical supplies. China has sent several shipments of emergency aid to help the Yemeni people cope with the challenges posed by the armed conflict.
China has contributed to financing and implementing vital infrastructure projects in Yemen. These projects include port development, road construction, and the improvement of water and sanitation networks. For instance, Chinese companies have worked on building and equipping the Friendship Hospital and hundreds of other developmental and humanitarian projects.
China also plays a prominent role in enhancing education and vocational training in Yemen. The Chinese government has provided scholarships for Yemeni students to study at Chinese universities, in addition to training programs aimed at developing technical and professional skills for workers in various sectors.
China supports international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. Beijing has participated in United Nations initiatives and international forums aimed at finding diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict in the country. To this day, Beijing supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen to end the war, achieve peace, and stop threats to maritime navigation and international trade in the Red Sea.
Despite the significant efforts China makes in supporting Yemen’s development, major challenges such as political instability and weak infrastructure pose obstacles to achieving sustainable development. Nevertheless, China continues to affirm its commitment to helping Yemen overcome these challenges through ongoing support and joint developmental projects.
Undoubtedly, it can be said that China plays an important and growing role in Yemen’s development, focusing on improving infrastructure, providing humanitarian aid, and enhancing education and training, which helps alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and achieve some stability in the country.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.