Nation opens logistical base in Africa

China's first overseas logistical base began operations on Tuesday, the same day as the 90th birthday of the People's Liberation Army.

More than 300 people attended the flag raising ceremony that marked the opening of the Djibouti base, on the Horn of Africa. Representatives from both countries attended, including Vice-Admiral Tian Zhong, deputy commander of the PLA Navy; Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti Fu Huaqiang; and Djibouti Defense Minister Ali Hasan Bahdon.

The base, near the southern entrance to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is China's only permanent overseas logistical base. It was established to support the Chinese military's escort and peacekeeping missions in Africa and West Asia.