China has started construction on a naval logistics base in Djibouti, Reuters reports, citing a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.
Some 4,800 miles away from Beijing,
China’s new naval base in Djibouti, a tiny African nation of less than 1
million people, sits on a strategic position on the Horn of
Africa along key global shipping routes where the mouth of the Red Sea
meets the vast Indian Ocean.
This new base, which China describes as
naval “support facilities”, will be China’s first overseas military
outpost, giving Beijing access to the Arabian Peninsula and positioning
its forces near its investments in sub-Saharan Africa.
China had conducted anti-piracy
operations in the region in recent years and is seeking to expand its
capacity to respond to growing threats to its interests abroad, Reuters
reports.
China’s new base will be used “primarily
for military rest and resupply in carrying out naval escort,
peacekeeping, and humanitarian duties,” Chinese Defence Ministry
spokesman Wu Qian said.
“Currently, initial construction on the
relevant facilities has already started and China has already dispatched
some personnel to launch relevant work,” Wu said.
Establishing resupply and logistics points abroad is a vital component of China’s push to expand its global reach, as Stratfor Global Intelligence explains. readmore
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