China on Monday condemned recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, expressing "serious concern" about the conflict between Riyadh and the Yemeni group intensifying.

"China condemns the attacks that caused heavy casualties and expresses serious concern over the intensification of the conflict," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

"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 said.

A Houthi strike hit Riyadh's international airport on Sunday, killing one person and wounding 11, a day after another attack claimed by the Iran-backed group saw 13 deaths and forced a suspension of operations there.

Saturday's attack, the deadliest on Saudi soil in more than a decade, was a sharp escalation in the Yemen war, where Riyadh has long militarily supported the internationally recognised government against the Houthis.

The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on the Riyadh airport – where three people were also killed on Thursday – as well as on Saudi oil facilities and tankers in the Red Sea.

Mao's call came as Iran also said it was deeply concerned by the escalation in attacks.

"We are deeply concerned about the developments taking place in the Arabian Peninsula," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that Tehran was ready "to help facilitate dialogue between the parties".

"We absolutely do not want hostilities and war to continue between two Islamic countries," Baqaei said, urging the parties to resolve the situation "through dialogue and engagement". (AFP)



Edited by Edmond Fong