China and Djibouti issue joint statement on the Red Sea
The two say management and security of the Red Sea concern only the littoral states.

China and Djibouti jointly affirmed that all countries should enjoy freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, while the management and security of the Red Sea concern only the littoral states.
The statement followed a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Beijing. Both sides stressed their shared commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They said the interests of the states on the Red Sea coast must be respected and that any escalation over the region’s security risks should be avoided.
The position is described as consistent with those of Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan and Somalia. China opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017.
