China has no military ambition in Djibouti

[TaiShang]

China has no military ambition in Djibouti
2015-11-28 0:38:01

China confirmed on Thursday that it is in talks with Djibouti about the building of logistical facilities to support Chinese peace-keeping and anti-piracy missions near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

Western media have been paying great attention to China's move, saying that China is building its first overseas military base in Djibouti. They reported that China is avoiding using the word "military base," and said China's move will help expand its global influence.

The US and France have military bases in Djibouti, which serves as the outposts for their African military strategies that maximize their national interests.

China's ties with all African countries are based on equality and mutual benefit, which do not need the drive of military deterrence. The Chinese navy's patrols near the Gulf of Aden mainly target pirates. The navy also played a key role in evacuating Chinese citizens in recent cases of regional turmoil.

China has no intention of building a military base from which to launch a military strike at a certain Middle Eastern foe. It will not seek to become an empire by building military bases and project its military clout around the globe.

Logistical facilities may not appear absolutely different from military bases on the surface. But the motives behind sets them apart. The Chinese fleet needs a supply spot near the Gulf of Aden. The logistical facilities at Djibouti are a natural solution, instead of a prelude for China's military strategy.

No Western countries or those around the region have raised official protests. Djibouti government expressed its welcome of China's logistical project there. It sees the coming of China's construction teams as a chance for local development.

There is no doubt that China's influence in Africa will keep growing. Such influence mainly comes from economic cooperation and mutual political trust. After the logistical facilities are finished, the Chinese navy's patrols near Africa will become more regular. This is a positive factor in Africa's rise, not a military uncertainty for Africa's future.

As long as the other countries welcome China's merchant ships as part of its "Belt and Road" initiative, the world will gradually understand and support the fact that the Chinese navy also appears on major sea routes to protect the safety of ships from China and other countries.

As the biggest global trader, China sending out its navy to all oceans should not be a surprise. Actually there are still many places that the Chinese navy has yet to cover. Compared with the US whose military bases lie around the world, it is ridiculous to talk about China's "ambition to become a new sea power."

 

[Jlaw]

Chinese PR is just shit
"Yes, we are surgeons, but we do not operate on anyone..."

"Yes, we are building military base but for civilian use and not really a military base per say."

 

[cnleio]

PLAN first foreign base in Djibouti, next year might see photos of warships in Djibouti.

 

[Beast]

The Chinese admit it's military or not for base. The western media will still rubbish it as China threat. Why not just admit we are expanding out military might and bases?

 

[Jlaw]

The Chinese admit it's military or not for base. The western media will still rubbish it as China threat. Why not just admit we are expanding out military might and bases?

Exactly my point. Do if you die, die if you do. So like Nike used to say JUST DO IT.

 

[Aepsilons]

Good! Finally!

 

[TaiShang]

Chinese PR is just shit
"Yes, we are surgeons, but we do not operate on anyone..."

"Yes, we are building military base but for civilian use and not really a military base per say."

Nonetheless, this is part of China's inclusive development scheme, not militaristic. Military can be used for development purposes, like building up a blue water navy to protect maritime trade.

Or, building up ASAT capability to ensure that China's satellite communication would not be threatened.

You know, it is always possible to underline the constructive aspect of military build up.

 

[sicsheep]

Foreign Minister: China to Build Navy Base in Djibouti

JOHANNESBURG — China is to build its first naval base in Djibouti, the Djiboutian foreign minister said Friday, in the latest sign of China's growing international security presence.

Djibouti is seen as a key strategic location in the Horn of Africa, with United States, France and Japan already having facilities in the country.

"The negotiations have come to an end and the naval base will be built in Djibouti," Mahamoud Ali Youssouf told AFP on the sidelines of a summit of African leaders in Johannesburg.

"The goal of the base is to fight against pirates... and most of all to secure the Chinese ships using this very important strait that is important to all the countries in the world."

"For Djibouti, it's an additional strategic ally."

A former French colony, Djibouti guards the entrance to the Red Sea and, ultimately, the Suez Canal, and has been used by international navies as a hub in the fight against piracy from neighbouring Somalia.

"For a few years with the instability in Somalia, this region has become a refuge for pirates and the terrorist movements," Youssouf said.

In May, Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh told AFP that talks over the military base were underway.

Guelleh met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit in Johannesburg, where China announced $60 billion of assistance and loans for Africa.

Foreign Minister: China to Build Navy Base in Djibouti