{"id":27866,"date":"2026-10-23T12:30:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T06:45:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=27866"},"modified":"2026-10-23T12:30:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T06:45:01","slug":"china-and-djibouti-back-freedom-of-navigation-in-the-red-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=27866","title":{"rendered":"China and Djibouti Back Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dragon Media Newsroom<\/strong><\/p>\n

China and Djibouti have called for respect for all countries\u2019 rights to navigate the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They voiced concern that the Middle East conflict is spreading into the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, and urged outside powers to refrain from using force or imposing unilateral sanctions. <\/p>\n

The two countries issued a joint communiqu\u00e9 after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Djibouti\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, in Beijing on Wednesday. The communiqu\u00e9 said rising tensions in the Red Sea could seriously affect the global economy, trade, investment, energy and food security, while increasing risks such as piracy and terrorism.<\/p>\n

The two sides called for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions. They said Red Sea and Gulf of Aden coastal states should be supported in protecting the safety and uninterrupted passage of the waterways. The communiqu\u00e9 also called for respect for merchant vessels\u2019 navigation rights under international law.<\/p>\n

Fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen has intensified, raising concerns about the safety of the shipping route. The UN humanitarian agency said nearly 260,000 people had been displaced in Yemen since August. <\/p>\n

Song Wei, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the communiqu\u00e9 viewed Red Sea security as part of the broader stability and development of the Horn of Africa. He said an approach that puts regional countries at the center of decision-making and keeps diplomatic mediation channels open could help prevent further escalation.<\/p>\n

The communiqu\u00e9 affirmed support for Somalia\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposed efforts to grant diplomatic recognition to Somaliland. China and Djibouti also opposed any cooperation between Somaliland and Taiwan authorities.<\/p>\n

China praised Djibouti\u2019s adherence to the one-China principle. The two countries also pledged to expand trade and infrastructure cooperation by making use of China\u2019s zero-tariff policy and Djibouti\u2019s geographic position.<\/p>\n

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