Chinese military chiefs are plotting to build a network of overseas naval bases in a bid to defend shipping routes and to protect the country from possible future Western sanctions, The Guardian reported.
A report from analysts at AidData claims Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Bata in Equatorial Guinea and Gwadar in Pakistan are the three most likely locations for a Chinese base in the next two to five years. The report’s authors considered Chinese state-owned bank funding for port projects and the strength of relationships with host country governments, to come up with a list of eight possible options for future naval bases.
Read the full story: The Guardian
- By Sean O’Meara
Also on AF:
Macron Warns of Chinese Naval Bases in the Pacific – ABC
US Says India Could Join Navy Patrols in South China Sea
Shipyard Image Exposes China’s Massive Naval Build-up
China Navy Leads Combat Drills in Yellow Sea – SCMP
