UK Conservative MP Deported from Djibouti Over China Criticism

Tim Loughton, a senior Conservative MP in the UK, was detained and deported from Djibouti earlier this month due to his criticism of China, which has close ties with the East African nation. Loughton, who has had sanctions imposed on him by Beijing since 2021 over his comments about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, believes his "intimidating" detention and expulsion was a "direct consequence" of his criticism of the Chinese regime.

Loughton arrived in Djibouti for a 24-hour visit that included a meeting with the British ambassador. However, he was detained for over seven hours at the airport, barred from entering the country, and told he would be removed on the next available flight. The MP described the experience as "highly intimidating and very lonely" in a "very strange country."

Djibouti has received significant investment from China, including funding for a new stadium, hospital, and a $1 billion space port. China also holds over $1.4 billion of Djibouti's debt, which makes up 45% of its GDP. Additionally, China has a naval base in Djibouti with 2,000 stationed troops.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the growing influence of China in countries where it has made substantial investments and the potential consequences for those who criticize the Chinese government. It also raises concerns about the treatment of foreign officials by nations with close ties to China.

The UK Foreign Office is seeking an explanation from Djibouti over Loughton's treatment and has stated that it provided consular support to the British man in Djibouti. Loughton has raised the issue with the UK government and written to the Djibouti ambassador to protest the "outrageous" behavior. He has urged the West to "wake up" to China's "malign and all-encompassing tentacles" at home and abroad. The Chinese embassy has dismissed the allegations against China as "fabricated and slanderous rhetoric."

Key Takeaways

• UK MP Tim Loughton detained and deported from Djibouti due to criticism of China.
• Djibouti has close economic ties with China, including debt and a naval base.
• Loughton's detention seen as a consequence of his criticism of China's human rights abuses.
• UK seeks explanation from Djibouti over Loughton's treatment, calls for awareness of China's influence.
• China dismisses allegations against it as "fabricated and slanderous rhetoric".