China eyes greater security role in the Red Sea

China is looking to strengthen its security presence in the Red Sea, according to recent statements from Chinese and Djiboutian officials. The timing of these remarks coincides with rising tensions in the region following renewed fighting in Yemen, as well as conflicts between Ethiopia and Eritrea and Egypt's pledge of military aid to Saudi Arabia.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Djiboutian counterpart, highlighting the strategic importance of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which serves as a gateway to the sea.

Djibouti, with its Red Sea coastline, hosts several naval facilities for foreign powers, including China. The Chinese government has been modernising its facilities in Djibouti to enhance its capabilities, but this does not necessarily mean a shift in its military posture. Chinese political analyst Zhao Zhijun argues that the increased cooperation with Djibouti is not an attempt to expand China's military presence or replace Western alliances.

The concerns over the Red Sea stand-off are not limited to maritime navigation and military activity. There is also a growing fear of a potential terrorist threat in the Horn of Africa, as the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen and Al-Shabaab in Somalia are believed to be working together. Djibouti and China are worried about these developments and have signed a memorandum of understanding under the Global Security Initiative to strengthen coordination on maritime security and the protection of commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

This agreement aims to develop their security partnership, including modernizing Chinese facilities in Djibouti, which may help Djibouti avoid any regional military entanglement while diversifying its security partnerships.