Chinese military chief visits Horn of Africa Djibouti amid reports China may set up base in the region
The general is visiting to inspect Chinese warship, defence ministry says
A senior Chinese military officer is visiting the Horn of Africa country Djibouti where he inspected a Chinese warship participating in anti-piracy patrols, China’s Defence Ministry said, following a report China wants a military base there.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh told French media in May his government was in talks with China about a base, adding Beijing’s presence would be welcome in the former French colony, which borders Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
The Chinese government would neither confirm or deny the report.
READ MORE: China discussing Horn of Africa military base, says Djibouti president
The United States and France already have bases in the country and its port has been used by foreign navies, including China’s, participating in the fight against Somali pirates.
People’s Liberation Army Chief of Staff General Fang Fenghui visited the Chinese warship Sanya while it was replenishing supplies in Djibouti, China’s Defence Ministry said.
Fang praised the performance of Chinese service personnel involved in the patrols, saying they showed how China was assuming its role as a responsible major country, the ministry said.
Fang was accompanied by deputy Chinese air force chief Zhang Jianping, the statement added. It made no mention of any Chinese base plans.