In a move that may cause unease in India, China announced Monday it will set up its first military base abroad in the Indian Ocean island of Seychelles to “seek supplies and recuperate” facilities for its Navy.
The naval fleet may seek supplies or recuperate at appropriate harbours in Seychelles or other countries as needed during escort missions, the Chinese defence ministry announced Monday.
China has already cemented its foothold in the Indian Ocean by signing a contract with the UN-backed International Seabed Authority to gain rights to explore polymetallic sulphide ore deposits in the Indian Ocean over the next 15 years.
The Seychelles base is regarded as significant by analysts as China is about to launch its first aircraft-carrier, which is currently undergoing final trials.
Playing down its significance, the Chinese defence ministry said it is international practice for naval fleets to re-supply at the closest port of a nearby state during long-distance missions. In a statement, it pointed out that the Chinese Navy has re-supply facilities at harbours in Djibouti, Oman and Yemen since China sent its first convoy to the Gulf of Aden in 2008. — PTI