http://english.cri.cn/12394/2016/02/05/4201s916064.htm
Djibouti Base to Facilitate China's Peacekeeping Mission
2016-02-05 20:46:33 CRIENGLISH.com
The Chinese government has confirmed plans with Djibouti's government for the construction of a new military base in the African nation.
It will be China's first military installation in Africa.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang says the base will be used to provide supplies for Chinese warships on escort missions in the Gulf of Aden.
"In recent years, China has sent escort fleets to the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden to perform escort missions. The sailors need rehabilitation and supply while carrying out duties. However they are faced with various difficulties such as a shortage of food and oil. The effective and nearby logistics support is necessary."
More than 60 Chinese naval vessels have been sent to the waters off Somalia since China joined the international escort missions in the area.
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, bordering Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
It also faces the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the east.
The Chinese military used a port in Djibouti when it withdrew its citizens from Yemen during the start of that country's internal conflict.
Received on Fri Feb 05 2016 - 11:54:04 EST