China, Djibouti say all countries should enjoy freedom of navigation in Red Sea

China and Djibouti have jointly stated that all nations should have the right to freely navigate the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as they expressed concern over the worsening security situation. The joint statement, released in Beijing following a meeting of their foreign ministers, highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Red Sea littoral states while maintaining freedom of navigation.

Both nations emphasized that the rights of merchant ships to exercise navigation rights should be upheld in accordance with international law. China and Djibouti stressed the need to avoid escalating security risks in the region and warned major powers outside the region against resorting to force or unilateral sanctions. This statement follows the US government's decision to order some diplomats and their families to leave missions in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing Yemeni conflict, which has further exacerbated tensions in the area.