China has no plans for overseas naval base

2010-01-02 10:12 BJT

 

China has no plans to establish a base of operations in the Mid East and will continue using a supply vessel to service its anti-piracy naval task force in the Gulf of Aden. The Defense Ministry issued the clarification after a rear admiral suggested that Beijing should set up a permanent base in the region.

An overseas supply base might be an option in the future, but it's not being considered at this time.

The Ministry of Defense says some countries have overseas supply bases, but the Chinese fleet ships are supplied at sea and through port in the Gulf of Aden region.

The statement is in response to an outspoken retired rear admiral, Yin Zhou. He says a base would bolster China's long-term participation in anti-piracy operations.

Yin's suggestion came after a Chinese cargo ship and its crew of 25 were rescued from Somali pirates on Monday.

The suggestion has evoked wide international concern.

The BBC reports that China's international deployments are being closely monitored for signs of increasing assertiveness in its foreign defense policy.

The AFP news service reports Yin's proposal raises the idea that China could build foreign bases elsewhere.

China has sent four naval task forces to the region since the end of last year. The first group of ships were at sea for more than four months without docking.

Since then, Chinese vessels have docked at a French naval base for supplies. The US, European Union and Japan also have supply bases in the region.

Editor: Zheng Limin | Source: CCTV.com