Unnecessary hoopla over bases

China's efforts to build some strategic support bases overseas have drawn the attention of the international community. The construction of logistics facilities in Djibouti, in particular, has caused serious anxiety among the US-led Western countries, and some have expressed concerns over the establishment of such a "naval base" by China in the East African country.

China's navy has actually kept a low profile around the world. Its presence cannot be compared to that of the United States, which has military bases distributed throughout the world. However, because of this, the Chinese navy cannot effectively protect China's economic interests, which now extend across the world. Hence, its efforts to establish some strategic strongholds overseas are not only necessary for it to safeguard its overseas interests, but also essential for China to actively fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations as a responsible power.

The completion of the logistics facilities in the port of Djibouti will help China's navy more effectively undertake such missions as fighting pirates, conducting rescue and relief operations and transporting refugees. Their construction will also enable Chinese warplanes to play a bigger role in peacekeeping missions in conflict-stricken areas in the Middle East and Africa.