China Calls for Enriching Strategic Partnership with Eritrea

Chinese Premier Li Qiang told visiting Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki today, Monday, that "the two countries should deepen cooperation that is mutually beneficial and profitable for both sides and continuously enrich their strategic partnership," during a meeting in Beijing. Given its location on the Red Sea, Eritrea could be of geopolitical importance to China due to its access to the Suez Canal, Europe, the Gulf, and the Indian Ocean, as China seeks to enhance its presence in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea also shares a border with Djibouti, where the Chinese People's Liberation Army established its first overseas military base in 2017.