Amid reports that China’s “logistic facilities centre” in Djibouti includes weapons stores and small contingents of marines, the state-run media here on Tuesday asserted that Beijing has no intention of following the US pattern of establishing military bases around the world. It went on to say that it is a sign of “China’s strategy to extend its military reach across the Indian Ocean and beyond”. Djibouti provides a major foothold in the Indian Ocean for China in the Indian Ocean. Chinese foreign ministry earlier said the centre, which the American defence officials termed as a military base is aimed to provide better facilities to the personnel on Chinese vessels can get better rest and replenishments. Djibouti is strategically located near the world’s busiest shipping lanes, controlling access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Source: Hindustan Times August 23, 2016 12:22 UTC