As two Chinese warships set sail for Djibouti ferrying a military task force to its newly opened base in the country, China's official explanation of the mission was to assist and resupply its naval peacekeeping forces in the region. After all, establishing its presence in the East African nation would aid China's long-standing antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, alongside humanitarian projects in Africa and western Asia.
But while China may downplay the importance of moving the amphibious transport dock and mobile landing platform vessels to Djibouti, the significance of establishing its first permanent overseas military facilities in such a strategic location is undeniable....
