China to set up its first overseas military base

Ships carrying Chinese troops are heading for the East African nation of Djibouti with a view to establishing the nation’s first overseas military base.

China says its new facility is a “support base” with mainly logistical functions. However, observers see it as a key part of Beijing’s plans to expand its global reach. India in particular views the base with suspicion as New Delhi is concerned that China is confronting it with a ‘ring of pearls’ – a series of assets and alliances across the Indian Ocean and into south-east Asia.