Pakistan port on China’s radar for naval base, Pentagon report says
China’s military is extending its global reach and its push to set up more strategic offshore facilities ‘has only just begun’
China is expected to build a naval facility in Pakistan, its second overseas military base after one in Djibouti, according to a US Department of Defence report released on Wednesday.
In its 2017 report to the US Congress on China’s military and security development, the Pentagon said the People’s Liberation Army Navy was strengthening its overseas presence with more facilities and operations. Its first base in Djibouti, on track to be completed this year, was only a beginning, it said.
“China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a long-standing friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and in which there is a precedent for hosting foreign militaries,” the report said. “This initiative, along with regular naval vessel visits to foreign ports, both reflects and amplifies China’s growing influence, extending the reach of its armed forces.”
The report also said Beijing was the world’s fourth-biggest arms seller, with continued strong sales to Pakistan and dominance in drone supplies to the Middle East and North Africa.
Mainland military experts said the country’s ever-growing overseas interests made offshore bases a necessity.