China urges restraint to prevent Middle East conflict from spreading to the Horn of Africa

What happened: China warned against the Middle East conflict spreading to the Horn of Africa, with spokesperson Mao Ning saying the region should never become an arena for geopolitics. The remarks followed a joint communique by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djibouti's Abdoulkader Houssein Omar. Why it matters: Both sides said easing the Middle East situation is key to settling security challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, and called for dialogue to avoid escalating regional tensions. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

China warned against the Middle East conflict spreading to the Horn of Africa, with spokesperson Mao Ning saying the region should never become an arena for geopolitics. The remarks followed a joint communique by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djibouti's Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

Both sides said easing the Middle East situation is key to settling security challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, and called for dialogue to avoid escalating regional tensions.