Following a meeting between their foreign ministers in Beijing on October 21, China and Djibouti issued a joint statement urging that the Horn of Africa be shielded from Middle Eastern conflicts. Both countries emphasized the necessity of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that regional instability poses a significant threat to global trade. The two nations advocated for diplomatic dialogue to de-escalate tensions and reaffirmed their support for Palestinian national rights and a two-state solution. Beijing highlighted the strategic importance of these maritime routes for its own trade and energy interests, asserting its commitment to promoting regional stability through constructive engagement.