China, Djibouti say all countries should enjoy freedom of navigation in Red Sea

AI Summary

China and Djibouti called for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait in a joint statement after their foreign ministers met in Beijing. They warned of worsening security, as Houthi activity in Yemen has disrupted maritime traffic along the route.

BEIJING, Oct 22 (Reuters) - All countries should enjoy freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, China and Djibouti said in a joint statement following a meeting of their foreign ministers in Beijing, expressing concern about the deteriorating security situation. Djibouti sits on the other side of theBab ed-Mandeb Straitfrom Yemen, where Iran-backedHouthis have been battling Saudi-backed governmentforces and seeking to control the whole Yemeni Red Sea coast, disrupting some shipping.