Therefore,
"the facilities (at Djibouti) will mainly be used for logistical support and
personnel recuperation of the Chinese armed forces conducting such missions as
maritime escort in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the Somali coast, peacekeeping
and humanitarian assistance," says Wu.
That
is not how the world sees the upcoming Djibouti facility.
"Djibouti
will be their (PLA Navy's) first military location in Africa", US Army General
David Rodriguez, the Commander of US Africa Command, said last November. China has signed a 10-year contract with
Djibouti under which the latter would serve "as a logistics hub for China to be
able to extend their reach"
Now
it is this extending of reach is what the bamboo capitalist is aiming at with a
foothold in Maldives.
Because,
China's Military Strategy" paper released
in May last year clearly said:
"In response to the new requirement coming from the country's growing
strategic interests, the armed forces will actively participate in both
regional and international security cooperation and effectively secure China's
overseas interests."
No
surprise there is already a talk, denied though, of China getting permission to
set up a 'base' on South Central Laamu Atoll.
President
Abdulla Yameen sees his "land rights for $1bn investment" as the Open Sesame
for "transforming the economy," which could not be achieved by continuing with
"business as usual."
The
freeholds would not pose "any danger to either the Maldivian people or our neighboring countries," he says. He assures there is "no cause for Maldivian
citizens to be concerned" and land will not be offered "for foreigners to
settle in those areas."
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