China is getting ready to move "a few thousand" troops and other military personnel to its first permanent military installation abroad, a new base stationed in Djibouti on the strategic Horn of Africa, according to China Cheat Sheets.
#ChineseMilitary Goes Global, Establishes First Base in #Africa https://t.co/GWsoJETO4g pic.twitter.com/PAvua1yHKD
— China Cheat Sheets (@ChinaCheatSheet) April 2, 2016
The city of its location also happens to be the site of America's own major African military camp, a 4,500 member base used for counter-terrorism and other operations.
China’s move has made the US concerned that its rival is beginning a new era as an international military force. Previously, China was seen primarily as an economic competitor with which the US sometimes came into conflict with in the greater Asian region. Further proof of China’s intention to expand its reach, the world power is increasing their commitment to worldwide peacekeeping operations to 8,000 troops.
“What needs to be stressed is that China upholds a path of peaceful development … and has never engaged in an arms race or military expansion. This will never change,” the Chinese Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has revealed that China will pay his government $20 million per year to lease the facility for a “few thousand” members of the Chinese military and civilian staff.
China has already committed to providing $1 billion in loans for infrastructure projects to help enhance Djibouti's $1.5 billion economy. Chinese media has reported that they will assist in the construction of a $4 billion railway to connect Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa to Djibouti’s newly developed Chinese port where the military facility will be located.
