China to set up military logistics bases in Pak, Sri Lanka: Pentagon

China is seeking to set up more robust logistics facilities in about a dozen countries, including three in India's neighbourhood, to allow the PLA to project and sustain military power at greater distances, according to a Pentagon report.

In addition to the three neighbours of India — Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar — the other countries where China is considering to base its military logistics and infrastructure facilities are Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola and Tajikistan, the report said on Tuesday.

In its annual report “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 2020” that was submitted to the US Congress, the Pentagon said these potential Chinese military logistics facilities are in addition to the Chinese military base in Djibouti, which is aimed at supporting naval, air and ground forces projection.

“A global PLA (People's Liberation Army) military logistics network could both interfere with US military operations and support offensive operations against the

United States as the PRC’S global military objectives evolve,” the Pentagon said in the report.

China has probably already made overtures to Namibia, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, it said, adding the known focus areas of PLA planning are along the Seal Lines of Communication from China to the Strait of Hormuz, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.

Similarly, the Pentagon said, Beijing uses the One Belt One Road initiative to support its strategy of national rejuvenation by seeking to expand global trade linkages to deepen its economic integration with nations.

Report defames China's military modernisation: Beijing

China on Wednesday condemned the Pentagon report for claiming that Beijing wants to double its stockpile of nuclear warheads within a decade as it seeks to deter the US from any intervention linked to Taiwan. It added that it aims to be ready to win any conflict with the US over self-ruled Taiwan.

The report “defamed China's military modernisation, defence expenditure, nuclear policy and other issues”, it said in a statement.