China to start work soon on naval base in Djibouti, president says
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh. He did not say when the work would begin or how many personnel would be stationed there. PHOTO | FILE |
China is expected to start work in Djibouti soon on a naval base, Djibouti's president told Reuters, defending Beijing's right to build what will be its first foreign military outpost on one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
Strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal, Djibouti is already home to US and French bases, while other navies often use its port.
