Why is the US concerned about China’s naval base in Djibouti?

By TRT World
Apr 21, 2021

China has completed construction of a pier at its naval base in Djibouti near the entrance to the Red Sea, the top commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) claimed when speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday.

The US Africa Commander Army General, Stephen Townsend, said the Chinese naval base is large enough to support a People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aircraft carrier.

General Townsend told the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) that China also seeks to build a commercial deep-water port and military base options elsewhere in Africa.

“Their first overseas military base, their only one, is in Africa, and they have just expanded that by adding a significant pier that can even support their aircraft carriers in the future,” Townsend told the HASC.

“Around the continent they are looking for other basing opportunities,” he added.

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