Tim Loughton, a Conservative MP from Britain, recently disclosed that his detention and subsequent deportation from Djibouti were directly linked to his status as one of the seven British parliamentarians sanctioned by China over three years ago. These sanctions were imposed for his vocal condemnation of China's human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
Loughton's detention occurred shortly after he arrived in Djibouti on April 8, and he attributes it to his status as a sanctioned MP. Despite his attempts to explain the purpose of his visit and his short duration of stay, he was met with hostility upon revealing his identity. After being held for hours without explanation, he was abruptly deported.
The incident highlights Djibouti's close ties with China, which has invested heavily in the nation's infrastructure and holds significant financial influence. China's naval base in Djibouti, among other investments, underscores its strategic interests in the region.
Loughton has since raised the issue with British authorities and expressed his concerns about the incident. However, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy dismissed his allegations as baseless and aimed at damaging China-UK relations.
The incident underscores the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding China's growing influence and its impact on diplomatic relations with Western nations.
