China and Djibouti call for unrestricted shipping in Red Sea amid regional tensions

In a joint declaration, China and Djibouti stressed the need to maintain free navigation for all merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, citing international law. They highlighted that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and wishes of the coastal states must be honored to prevent heightened security threats. The communiqué noted that regional conflicts, particularly the Houthi-Saudi-backed fighting in Yemen, have already disrupted shipping.

Both sides urged major powers outside the region to refrain from using force or imposing unilateral sanctions. The statement was released by China's one outlet news agency as the U.S. State Department ordered some personnel to leave Saudi Arabia following escalated fighting in Yemen.