China, Djibouti call for unimpeded Red Sea shipping access

China and Djibouti issued a joint statement following high-level talks between their foreign ministers in the Chinese capital on Monday, reaffirming the principle that all countries should have unobstructed passage through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The statement underscores growing anxiety over deteriorating security conditions in one of the world's most critical shipping corridors, which links Asia to Europe and Africa. The Red Sea passage handles billions of dollars in annual trade and serves as a vital artery for global commerce.

Both nations expressed alarm at the worsening situation, though the joint statement did not specify the particular security threats prompting their concerns. The Red Sea region has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including piracy, geopolitical tensions, and maritime incidents that have disrupted shipping lanes.

Djibouti, strategically positioned at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, holds significant geopolitical importance for international trade and regional stability. The country hosts multiple foreign military installations and serves as a key transit point for maritime traffic between the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

The bilateral agreement reflects both nations' commitment to maintaining open sea lanes and protecting international commerce from disruption, with implications for regional security and global trade flows.