China, Djibouti issue first joint call for open Bab al-Mandeb amid US-Iran war

China and Djibouti issued a joint communique urging safe and open shipping lanes through Bab al-Mandeb, Beijing's first formal statement with a Red Sea nation on the fallout from the US-Iran war. Analysts indicate China has not yet escalated to naval escorts but may act if its shipping is threatened. The move signals Beijing's diplomatic engagement to protect maritime interests without direct military commitment.

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