Beijing indirectly confirms military base in Djibouti

It only because of authoritarian government model that China is able to maintain its cards close to its chest unlike other democracies.

The secrecy helps to score over over-transparent democracies.

China appears to have indirectly confirmed reports that it is establishing a permanent military base in the small East African nation of Djibouti, reports the Shanghai-based Guancha Syndicate.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying refused to confirm or deny the claims during a press conference Monday, but said: "We have noted the relevant report. China and Djibouti enjoy traditional friendship. Friendly cooperation between the two sides has achieved constant growth over recent years, with practical cooperation carried out in various fields. What needs to be pointed out is that regional peace and stability serves the interests of all countries and meets the aspirations shared by China, Djibouti and other countries around the world. The Chinese side is ready and obliged to make more contributions to that end."

Djibouti, which enjoys key strategic positioning in the Horn of Africa as it oversees the Bab al-Mandeb strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world that leads into the Red Sea and via the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean, is already home to Camp Lemonnier, the US military headquarters in Africa largely used for covert and anti-terror operations in Yemen and Somalia.

France and Japan also have bases in the port. Japan rented a 12-hectare piece of land near Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport in 2011 and invested US$40 million to build a command headquarters, boarding facilities, parking apron there.

Djibouti president Ismail Omar Guelleh told reporters that discussions with Beijing are "ongoing."

"France's presence is old, and the Americans found that the position of Djibouti could help in the fight against terrorism in the region," Guelleh said. "The Japanese want to protect themselves from piracy — and now the Chinese also want to protect their interests, and they are welcome."

Djibouti has turned to China as a key economic partner in recent years. Last year, Guelleh switched the operation of Djibouti port to a Chinese company after the previous Dubai-based operator was accused of corruption. Last February, Djibouti and China signed a military agreement allowing the People's Liberation Army Navy to use the port, a move that was opposed by the US.

China has already invested in several major infrastructure projects in Djibouti worth more than US$9 billion, including including improved ports, airports and railway lines to landlocked Ethiopia.