China and Djibouti call for freedom of navigation in Red Sea

China and Djibouti issued a joint statement following a meeting of their foreign ministers in Beijing, expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Both nations emphasized that the rights of merchant ships from all countries to exercise navigation in accordance with international law must be respected.

The statement stressed that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and wishes of Red Sea littoral states should be respected to avoid increasing regional security risks. Both sides cautioned that major powers outside the region should avoid resorting to force or unilateral sanctions.

The announcement comes amid ongoing disruptions to shipping caused by conflict in Yemen, where Houthi forces have sought control of the Yemeni Red Sea coast. Djibouti, which hosts several international military bases including China’s first overseas base, sits directly across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Yemen.