China has picked Djibouti to set up its first overseas military base and ships carrying troops set sail on Tuesday, Chinese media said. The Indian Ocean is also emerging as the playground for countries eyeing a bigger role in world affairs. China is looking to generate goodwill and influence in the Indian Ocean countries by investing in projects such ports, roads and railways. “Certainly this is the People’s Liberation Army’s first overseas base and we will base troops there,” it said. The Indian Ocean figures prominently in President Xi Jinping’s ambitious One Belt, One Road initiative to build a new Silk Route.

Source: Hindustan Times July 12, 2017 12:00 UTC