The China-Djibouti communique marks a diplomatic escalation, but experts say that Chinese naval operations are still unlikely.

China backs “constructive efforts” to ensure international shipping lanes are safe and open, a communique jointly issued with Djibouti said, marking Beijing’s first formal statement with a Red Sea nation on containing the fallout from the US-Iran war. Chinese analysts said the situation in the Red Sea has not yet escalated to a level that warrants direct naval escorts, though Beijing will closely monitor the region and may take action in the event the country’s shipping comes under threat. “The…

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