China has taken a major step into the global military stage by building its first-ever overseas military base. News about military bases, global power, and international tensions are normally too complicated to understand, mostly when it’s explained with a very technical language. This is why we are here to explain what China has done in very simple terms. So, let’s get started.
The military base
China has its first-ever military base abroad, in a country called Djibouti, located in East Africa. The construction of the military base started in 2016 and, according to the reports, it’s fully operational from 2022.
Djibouti is in a region known as the Horn of Africa, which is a very important point for global shipping and naval activity.
The base has attracted attention from governments and military analysts around the world. Its existence marks a major change in how the Chinese nation operates its military beyond its own territory.
The base now
Until now, the base has been mainly used to support Chinese warships operating in the Indian Ocean. This means the base helps Chinese naval forces by providing supplies, maintenance, and a place to operate far from home.
Although its current usage seems limited, experts point out that its construction perfectly fits with a wider goal from the government of China.
China’s military goal in the long term
This base is part of President Xi Jinping’s plan to modernize China’s armed forces by the year 2050. According to analysts, the base in Djibouti could be the beginning of a much wider global military command network.
This means an important change, since China didn’t have any military base in other countries for so long. So, Djibouti’s base represents a new approach to the military policy of the country.
Global concern
This base has worried several countries, and one of the main reasons is related to Taiwan. Reports show that China has bought advanced weapons and military technology to Russia, and some experts believe these actions could be connected to the preparation of a possible invasion of Taiwan.
U.S. officials have interpreted China’s growing military capabilities as a sign that a large-scale conflict could occur by 2027. As a result, they are urging preparations for that possibility.
The United States reaction
The Pentagon, which is the U.S. Department of Defense, has responded to this situation by calling for a significant increase in weapons production.
For many years, the United States has supplied weapons to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Because of this, U.S. defense leaders say it is necessary to:
- Rebuild military stockpiles.
- Double or even quadruple weapons production.
- Prepare for potential future confrontations with the Chinese nation.
Why Djibouti?
The Chinese nation invested more than $560 million to build this military base in an area called Bab el-Mandeb. This place is a key strategic point because it connects the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. From there, China can help safeguard shipping routes connected to the Suez Canal, which links Asia and Europe.
A naval analyst describes the base as heavily fortified, capable of withstanding direct attacks, with multiple layers of defense. It is compared to a modern military fortress.
Relationship between China and Djibouti
China has maintained diplomatic relations with Djibouti since 1979. The idea for the base was first mentioned in a 2013 report by China’s People’s Liberation Army National Defense University.
After approval by Xi Jinping, who also leads China’s Central Military Commission, the Chinese nation secured the site in 2015, paving the way for construction to begin.
To sum up
This military base is not just a single facility, but a clear sign of China’s growing role and influence on the global military stage.