China and Djibouti have jointly emphasized the importance of maintaining open and secure shipping lanes in the Red Sea amid regional tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The statement, issued on October 23 following a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, underscored support for the freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The communique called for respect of navigation rights under international law for all merchant vessels traversing the area, highlighting the strategic significance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and thus facilitating trade between the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean. Both parties expressed mutual concern over the potential for regional tensions to further destabilize the maritime corridor.
China, which maintains its only overseas military support base in Djibouti since 2017, reaffirmed backing for Red Sea coastal states’ efforts to preserve safe and unobstructed shipping operations. Chinese analysts noted that while vigilance was necessary, the current situation had not escalated enough to warrant deploying Chinese naval escorts, as no Chinese vessels had been targeted. Nonetheless, officials indicated that responses could evolve depending on developments that might threaten Chinese shipping or nationals.
The strategic position of Djibouti, located immediately across the Bab al-Mandeb Strait from Yemen, was highlighted in the communique. The country also hosts military bases for France, Italy, Japan, and the United States, demonstrating its importance as a regional security hub.
The recent intensification of conflict between Yemen’s Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition has heightened risks for maritime traffic through the strait. The Houthis, following a Saudi airstrike on the Houthi-controlled Sanaa airport in July, declared a maritime embargo targeting Saudi shipments passing through the region. However, experts cited in the communique suggested the immediate risk to Chinese vessels was limited, as the Houthis have explicitly stated they are focused solely on Saudi targets.
Recent data indicates a rebound in Middle East oil exports, which has somewhat eased global supply pressures and reduced the immediate urgency for more robust naval protection. Oil shipments from Middle Eastern producers excluding Iran averaged 24.6 million barrels per day in the week through October 18, surpassing pre-war levels, according to commodities data.
The joint statement also called on the international community, particularly major external powers, to respect the sovereignty of regional countries and refrain from actions such as the use of force or unilateral sanctions. It warned against allowing the conflicts in the Middle East to spill over into the Horn of Africa.
Washington’s role remains complex, balancing support for its key ally Saudi Arabia with caution to avoid escalation. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump halted planned airstrikes against Houthi targets, reflecting the delicate nature of managing the conflict’s military and diplomatic dimensions.